As members of the Scots Student Senate and as student body representatives, we express solidarity to those affected by the recent incidents of hate and bias targeting minority students on our campus. We unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, discrimination, and hate speech. We stand with all students, faculty, and staff of color and affirm their right to feel safe, respected, and heard on our campus.
We recognize that these incidents are not isolated and are symptomatic of a broader systemic problem that must be addressed. As a community, we must come together to address these issues and work towards building a more equitable and just environment. We are committed to working with campus administration and community leaders to develop and implement strategies that will prevent future aggressions and create a more inclusive environment for all members of our community. We will also be taking sufficient steps to increase student visibility, increase awareness of support systems in place, and aiding the creation of new support systems for those affected.
We encourage anyone who has been affected by these incidents to seek support and report them to the appropriate authorities. Let us all work towards a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
I have met with some of our students of color who have been spearheading efforts for change on campus to come up with a list of things that students in the majority can do to support students of color on campus:
Do not gaslight your peers of color if they express that they do not want to be in a certain space at a certain time. Respect the decision.
Accepting feedback and being open to dialogue when confronted about behavior that may be considered a microaggression.
Make a habit of listening as opposed to relating their experiences to your own.
Students with questions regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, including questions about supporting individuals affected and information they have seen or heard through social media are urged to direct their inquiries to The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Regina Johnson and/or the interns of the Champion Miller Center.
Regina Johnson, rjohnson@monmouthcollege.edu
Nyasaina Kwamboka, nkwamboka@monmouthcollege.edu
Gabriela Madu, gmadu@monmouthcollege.edu
Jonathan Diaz, jdiaz@monmouthcollege.edu
Jacob Rathgeb - Guest Writer
See photos in this week's paper from the peaceful demonstration against racism held in front of Wallace Hall.