Dear Students,
On Nov. 18 Princeton University undergraduates, spearheaded by members of the Black Justice League, staged a walkout and a sit-in at Nassau Hall. While there, students articulated several demands, including recognition of Woodrow Wilson’s racist legacy, renaming the Woodrow Wilson school and all affiliated buildings, instituting mandatory cultural competency training for faculty and students and the creation of an affinity space dedicated specifically to black students.
We write in support of the efforts of these undergraduate students. We recognize, celebrate and express the deepest respect for the courage and strength demonstrated by the undergraduate students fighting here at Princeton, and across the United States. We denounce attempts to delegitimize or minimize the concerns that have emerged as a result of the students’ protest on campus, especially threats to physically harm them. It is important to remember that, while a small fraction of the community may be directly impacted by institutional racial injustices, these imbalances are detrimental to the overall health of the entire community. The battle against racism must always be pressed because it is a battle that is always urgent.
To the administration, Board of Trustees, faculty and alumni: We urge you to recognize and respond to the pain of these students. Princeton must be a campus where we all feel included, whether we learn in its halls or lecture in its theaters, work in its dining facilities or public safety, or in any of the vital services that make this community possible.
While we admire the efforts the University has made in the last few years to make Princeton an institution that reflects the world we live in, it is clear that Princeton still largely remains an institution where people of color are often marginalized and silenced. This type of environment, without question, is antithetical to intellectual exchange and growth. This must change. The young people spearheading this charge bear the greatest of burdens upon their shoulders.
We, the Black Graduate Caucus, Graduate Women of Color Caucus, Queer Graduate Caucus, Latino Graduate Student Association, Intersecting Queer Identities and the WWS Students and Alumni of Color graduate organizations step forward to share this burden.
To the students fighting to live, we say:
You here.
You been here.
You ain’t leaving.
The fight is far from over.
We stand by you.
You are loved.
Black Graduate Caucus Board:
Akil Word-Daniels, President
Hadiya Jones, Treasurer
Gabriel Moore, External Relations Delegate
Chaya Crowder, External Relation Delegate
Nyle Fort, Community Service Coordinator
Graduate Women of Color Caucus Board:
Megan Blanchard, President
Colleen Campbell, Vice President
Janeria Easley, Treasurer
Alex Mayorga, Secretary
Angela Dixon, Event Coordinator
Kimberly Bain, Member
Queer Graduate Caucus Board:
Ariana Myers, President
Sophia Nuñez, Vice President
Latino Graduate Student Association Board:
Jeremy Borjon, President
Brandon Hunter, Vice President
Elise Myers, Campus Community Outreach Chair
Micaela Martinez-Bakker, Civic & Professional Engagement Chair
Intersecting Queer Identities Board:
Ezelle Sanford III, President
Ray Thornton, Treasurer
WWS Students and Alumni of Color (SAOC) Board:
Karli Bryant, Co-Chair
Renato Rocha, Co-Chair
Tishina Okegbe, Member
Read More
Princeton must protect students from Trump’s proposed immigration policies
Jorge ReyesWith the presidential inauguration less than two weeks away, time is running out. Princeton, act now and show undocumented and international students the “energetic and vigorous support” you pledge before it’s too late.
With the presidential inauguration less than two weeks away, time is running out. Princeton, act now and show undocumented and international students the “energetic and vigorous support” you pledge before it’s too late.
The U. doesn’t want you to know about the camera project. Pay attention.
Frances BroganWhen the administration isn’t forthcoming with us about a policy that affects the entire student body, we should be suspicious. Princeton’s lack of communication about the camera initiative suggests a desire to avoid accountability.
When the administration isn’t forthcoming with us about a policy that affects the entire student body, we should be suspicious. Princeton’s lack of communication about the camera initiative suggests a desire to avoid accountability.
Princeton should incorporate well-being days into the academic calendar
Isaac BarsoumPrinceton must commit to ending its mental health crisis by making long-term care accessible, appointing a zero-suicide czar –– and yes, incorporating well-being days into the academic calendar –– to make the Princeton experience happier, healthier, and safer.
