In one of several organized discussions about diversity occurring on Grounds this week, concerned students gathered last night for a teach-in about the history of racial discrimination at the University and action that can be taken to address racial strife.
Organizers said the event, titled "Agenda for Action," aimed to educate others rather than simply to vent student frustrations.
"We're taking the time to explain to students what we're doing as student leaders and what they can do as concerned students," Black Student Alliance President Tyler Scriven said.
Presentations from a variety of students discussed recent race-related incidents at the University, the issue of "white privilege" and current demands being made to the administration.
Anthropology Prof. Wende Marshall opened the meeting with strong sentiments about the University's current racial climate.
Calling the University "a bastian of white supremacy" and likening the campus to a plantation, Marshall asked attendees to act and organize, to ensure race-related dialogue is sustained.
Fourth-year College student Ambrose Faturoti provided the Gilmer Hall audience with a historical prospective of race relations at the University.
"As critical thinkers, we must understand the historical context to engage in meaningful conversation," Faturoti said.
He listed past student movements and attacks on black students that have motivated student action in recent past.
"Out of the whole conversation on student movements, I tried to discuss what's worked, what hasn't, what angles have been taken, as well as what response the administration has taken," Faturoti said of his presentation. "I wanted to give people a broader sense of the different ways the administration has danced around without fully addressing our concerns as students."
All speakers called for feasible, collaborative action.
M. Bruce, co-president of the University chapter of the National Organization for Women, asked students to stand up and add their voice to current race discussions.
"It's important that in a public and powerful way, all students, and particularly white students, recognize the power of their action and the power of their passivity," Bruce said. "At this point, and at every point, individuals have the choice to make positive change or to passively allow injustice to continue."
In addition to calling for action, the panel of concerned students described a number of projects where that action could be applied.
Letter writing campaigns, event attendance and active discussion all were encouraged.
Speakers also asked students to support a list of demands being made of University officials.
These demands, enumerated in the acronym FORCE, ask the University to address diversity funding, the hiring of an officer of diversity, minority recruitment and retention, the current racial climate and cultural space and diversity education.
Fourth-year Commerce student Kwesi Smith expressed frustration at the University's past handling of race related matters.
"For the last 30 years there has been a lot of rhetoric and no action," he said.
Faturoti expressed similar concerns.
"Many people are calling for increased dialogue," Faturoti told meeting attendees. "What happens when all that takes place is dialogue?"
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