The latest chapter in Syracuse University’s response to the racist and offensive material in a fraternity’s video was to have a speak-out addressing as wide range of issues around bias and inclusion. Top officials from S-U were there to hear a list of six main demands by students. Sophomore Jo Johnson read the list, which started with a review of the entire Greek system…plus hire more faculty from marginalized communities.
“…disabled people, people of color, women, people with varying religious beliefs, LGBTQ+, and immigrants. Students have continually shared that the rare instances in which they have engaged professors and faculty who identify similarly has resulted in the most meaningful and uplifting experiences.”
Other demands included better anti-bias training for students and faculty; along with more accessibility to campus buildings, and better help for victims of sexual assault. Chancellor Kent Syverud told students that he’s open to change.
“I welcome the conversation, I welcome the work that follows. I see so many faculty here who believe this as well and who have worked hard on it for many years and who I think are with this effort. I do not think it’s all faculty as a problem.”
Syverud was joined by numerous faculty and staff, as well as member of the Board of Trustees. The forum included a range of questions and demands…for example, more resources at centers that help L-G-B-T-Q and International students, as well as those with disabilities.
“What actions are you taking to fundamentally redistribute funds to resources centers and departments that offer critical support to marginalized students? What is the timeline for these actions to be complete, because right now, based off of where the funds are going, it demonstrates to these students that we are not important?”
This demand drew immediate response. The University is actively seeking five more counselors to provide a range of counseling … and hiring six Graduate students to staff sexual assault and other services more hours – all by Fall semester. Another student pointed out that simply efforts to recruit diverse students don’t change he campus culture.
“Receiving an acceptance letter is one thing and feeling accepted at this university is a completely different thing.”
Not every student that made a comment or demand came away satisfied, during the almost-two-hour session. But administrators and trustees say they heard a need for change. The videos from Fraternity Theta Tau sparked outrage for racist, homophobic and anti-Semitic speech acted out. The result has been a much broader examination of policies and practices in many aspects of bias and inclusion.
