There is never time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now
James Baldwin
1. How do you feel about Dr.LaVar J. Charleston (Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer statement? (https://news.wisc.edu/condemning-racism-and-hate-choosing-community-and-belonging/ ) *link to statement*
Personally, I felt that his statement was not for the black community at all. Nowhere did it talk about how black students have always been going through this on campus and is now just coming to light through evidence. What happened was nothing new and the university is well aware of this. It just so happens it’s out in the open now to see how nasty and degraded many white people view us people of color especially blacks on campus. His words, “Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to grow, regardless of missteps, mistakes, or any other actions contrary to our values” were very disappointing and not fair or just to the black students on campus. He claims this was a “misstep/mistake” when it was an intentional attack on black students on campus. Her words were real and had strong emotions behind them. A mistake is saying the N-word in a song accidentally, but this was a threat and words of hate towards a particular group of people. His whole statement did not make us the black community feel heard at all. We felt ignored and didn’t feel as if he was on our side. We expected with his position he would stand for the black community and speak up for us but instead he chose to quiet us. We mentioned all this to him at the sit-in at Bascom Hall.
2. Given your history and experience at the university what would you say to potential students?
I would tell them that you belong here and don’t let anyone tell you differently. Many white students on campus say we are only here to meet a quota which partially is true but all of us worked hard to get here if not harder to get here. I dealt with much racism on campus and to that I would also tell potential students that there are people on campus who look like you and care about you. I would advise them to get involved in their community and use the resources that are there for them if things get hard or there’s an issue.
3. How has the expectation of taking the higher road with racism affected your average college life (considering finals and regular classes)
Honestly, I can’t say I have ever taken the higher road with racism on campus because that’s not the kind of individual I am. I have never taken the high road before so why would I start now just because I’m attending a PWI institution for the first time? I have also spoken up for myself and others. I have fought for myself and others in many ways on this campus. This expectation and culture here on campus that people of color just have to deal with it and be the bigger person is not okay nor is it fair to us. We should be able to express ourselves as we please just like white students, especially when we have been wrongfully treated. It is frustrating because I know there are people who take the high road because they are afraid of the outcome, even when they are the victim.
4.Which of the demands do you stand by the most? Additionally can you tell any information about the coalition group on campus? (https://madison365.com/uw-students-demand-action-in-wake-of-racist-video/ )
I stand by all the demands. But the ones that I feel strongly about and wish happened were demand number one and two. Number one is the request to expel Audrey and the others involved in the video after investigating. I do not feel that she should be awarded the opportunity to stay on campus and be around black students if that is how she views our people and community. Nor should she just be able to transfer to another institution with no consequences. If the roles were reversed and a black student said something of such and it was exposed such as this matter this is not what would be happening. Demand number six is a request for the creation of a new program for incoming and current students to take on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I believe that this will help white students to understand us more and realize their privilege here on campus. For some white people coming to this campus is the first time they will encounter and engage with black people so educating them will only help them. The Black coalition on campus is active and not resting on the matter. We have plans to minimize and eventually stop acts like this on campus not only for ourselves but for future students like us. We do aspect donations to help with planning, programming, and more. In short, this isn’t over yet and we won’t rest nor stop until the demands are met. https://www.instagram.com/theblkpwrcoalition/?hl=en
5. What message do you have to individuals that have not joined the cause or find protesting to be a “waste of time and energy”
To those who believe that don’t get involved, I say get out there white, black, or whatever your race be there for your black friends, coworkers, peers, etc., and stand for the fight. It is about showing support in the fact that you care and are here for the community. The protests are not a waste of time; they build unity, momentum, and community. It shows that we don’t stand for behaviors such as the one Audrey demonstrated. It’s about expressing ourselves and speaking about how the incident made us feel and how we are going to move forward.
6. How can non Black Badgers use their privilege to protect their fellow students as they account for 98% of the population
Honestly, one of the simplest things nonblacks can do is just be there and show support. Showing support looks different to everyone. You can show it by attending programming, speaking to your friends while listening, and more. They can speak out in solidarity with us to show the support is there because not saying anything is saying something.
7. Do you think the guidelines and assertion of Freedom of speech uniquely harms marginalized communities?
I believe it does uniquely harm us in a way but only because there are no regulations that truly speak against hate speech and threats at universities regarding marginalized communities. That is why I feel UW-Madison needs to review and revise its freedom of speech guidelines. What Audrey said was a threat to the black community, but the university doesn’t view it as such even though the evidence clearly shows that. If the guidelines were more clear and intentional that would make a big difference, but along with that comes enforcing it.
8. What do you think about Wisconsin’s emphasis on race instead of equality and lack of historical context regarding such?
I think that the emphasis on race isn’t bad but it needs to be paired with equality, so the focus is racial equality not just race. The issue isn’t race. It’s equality. Even at that, I support equality but I’m a big firm believer in equity. Sometimes I think us fighting for equality is the issue because not every marginalized community wants to be treated the same as others or need the same things. Surrounding the emphasis around equity I think would be better because it allows for communities to get what they need and want based on them and how they want to be treated as well. In regards to the lack of historical context, I think there is always more learning to be done. I mean it wasn’t long ago that the university started recognizing the stolen land they reside on, which is a good thing, but there’s more they still don’t know and this is the partial cause for situations like this to go the way they do because they are making decisions and judgments without the adequate knowledge or education. I hope the university can get to a place one day where they truly support all their students. They need to walk the walk if they’re gonna talk the talk, but unfortunately, they don’t and many marginalized communities on campus have been feeling this way in the past and still do feel this way.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison must unlearn the harmful systems and practice of symbolism to truly advocate for the equality of its most vulnerable population of students.We as a nation must allow Black college students to exist in a safe space. Historically it’s always been undergrad students on the front lines advocating for social justice initiatives towards educational equality. Our nation’s scholars deserve to maintain positive mental health and a break from discrimination. It’s important we listen to and stand with the students of UW-Madison to avoid upholding fallacies of the past!
For further support you can follow the @theblkpwrcoalition for updates and ways to donate to their fight. Also keep in touch with students like Mary as her journey continues.
texasgirlwrites.com 
Leave a comment