Texas to Wisconsin: A call to end racial harrassment

If we do not know how to meaningfully talk about racism, our actions will move in misleading directions

Angela Davis

Introduction

On May 3,2023 students of the University of Wisconsin-Madison staged a familiar tradition of protesting against the discriminatory treatment of black students. University of Wisconsin-Madison is known for its prestigious and thought provoking alum.  One of their most notable alum is none other than revered feminist author and anti-racist educator bell hooks. A champion of freedom from oppression through the eradication of racism. While earning her undergraduate degree, she wrote and produced arguably the most famous pieces of feminist literature, “Ain’t I A Woman:Black Women and Feminism.” While thoroughly examining the effects of racism and sexism on Black women in feminist movements, hooks made sure to clarify the dangers of allowing racism to disrupt human nature. Although she made notable waves with her analysis of racial injustice, there have been few strides made to change this narrative at her own campus and higher education. To capture the full extent of the challenges facing all students of University of Wisconsin-Madison’s complacency in racial justice, we must look at the history of the school. 

Praise to a controversial Eugenicist leader, Charles Van Hise

The former president abided by exclusionary tactics driven by personal and professional bias. Charles Van Hise believed in a practice known as eugenics. Eugenics is the inaccurate use of scientific theory that humans can be improved through selective breeding of populations according to the National Human Genome Research Institute, or NHGRI. An ideology that has commonly targeted and demonized disabled,black and poor people. The praise for his work is the bane of the “Wisconsin Idea” that is outlined on the main website for the university. Upholding values based on prejudice nurtures an environment that subjects marginalized students to racial discrimination. 

Racial harassment of students

In 2016 students started a hashtag #therealuw after then freshman student Alauna Owens had a racially charged note slipped under her bedroom door! However UW-Madison groups are no stranger to fighting back and against the racist campus culture. This caught the attention of Wisconsin senator Steve Nass who confidently called for the expulsion of a student over his right to “Freedom of Speech” in 2018. The radical video in response to police brutality managed to cause outcry, yet little has been said about the battle faced on campus. Lastly in a 2021 finding recap many marginalized groups were consistently experiencing less positive interactions within campus culture. It’s exceptionally hard to trust an institution that asks marginalized students in particular about their experiences while remaining inactive to protect students. 

Now as the spring semester wraps up black students have once again been disrupted by racial injustice. Earlier in the week a student identified as “Audrey Godlewski” took to social media to express her prejudice towards black students. The circulating video remains an important reminder of the ways bias can manifest behind closed doors and into the physical world. The Universities Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer released a continuous statement regarding the “painful” situation and how to move forward. Charleston denounced the actions of the student in what seems like a recurrent pattern for diversity admin at the university. It is not a statement to denounce the language,ideologies or actions of racism, it is the bare minimum which has consistently left students at UW-Madison angry. 

Interview with Mary F

To understand the severity and impact on black students I invited UW-Madison student Mary Fadele to share her story about the current protesting and culture.