Seize the momentum
This week’s events were a powerful demonstration of solidarity between disparate
campus groups, a clear display of the palpable anger some students feel toward
the Administration and an example of the power of grassroots activism. The
students also successfully used the media to their advantage; at least two local
TV news channels broadcasted hundreds of students blockading Bennet’s office and
issuing demands.
But the demands and activities of this week were at times unfocused,
oversimplified and disrespectful. Far-reaching and pressing issues such as hate
crimes were seemingly on par with comparatively trivial complaints like having
to walk a long distance to do laundry. And although most students behaved
respectfully, it was disappointing that some were unable to control their anger.
Dealing with the Administration can be frustrating, but throwing tape and
verbally abusing administrators are not productive actions.
Now that the protesters have the attention of the Administration and the public,
the ball is in the students’ court. They also must take advantage of this
momentum by appealing to the more moderate members of the school. After all,
numerous students felt alienated and confused by some of the protestors’ tactics
and arguments this week. Furthermore, some of the students who attended the
rally and the forum were there out of curiosity and not necessarily as a sign of
support, despite being counted by organizers.
Students need to operate on the Administration’s level instead of forcing
officials to stoop to theirs. Go straight to the source. Talk to administrators.
Go to Public Safety’s open hours. Be mature and be prepared to accept some
compromise. Demonstrate that this protest was just one battle in a larger fight.
Although it attracted attention, the failure of the forum to enact change
demonstrates that more must be done than to simply make noise. While less
glamorous then protests, making repeated contact with administrators allows them
to get a better understanding of what students want.
On Jan. 19 the Administration will issue its response to the numerous grievances
presented by the students. Students cannot expect simple yes or no answers on
this day or any other every issue—it’s just not that simple—but they should
demand the Administration to do all within their power to work with the students
to improve this campus as much as possible. There are those who are against
authority for its own sake. But that’s not a path to progress. Change can only
happen through mutual goals and conversations based on agreed-upon facts. Let’s
have those.
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