Syracuse University is punishing students for protesting instead of
punishing students who commit hate crimes on campus.
[ [link removed] ][IMG]
Write to the administration at Syracuse University and tell them to hold
students who commit hate crimes accountable.
[ [link removed] ][IMG]
Dear John,
Syracuse University has been suspending Black students for protesting, and
blocking them from receiving food and feminine hygiene products.^1 Yes,
you read that correctly; instead of punishing the students on campus who
are committing various racist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic hate crimes,
the University is suspending the students who are protesting against them.
This is a gross mistreatment of students who are fighting for their right
to be safe on campus.
[ [link removed] ]Write a letter to University leaders Chancellor Syverud, Dolan
Evanovich, Chief Maldonado, and Deputy Chief Sardino telling them to
institute consequences for students who commit hate crimes.
Since November, student protestors have been trying to get the
administration at Syracuse to take action against the hate crimes
occurring on campus. In support of the students, more than 21,000 Color Of
Change members signed a petition that brought attention to student
protestors’ demands for accountability. The situation is so dire that the
governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, attempted to intervene, demanding
accountability from Chancellor Kent Syverud.^2 Despite these actions, the
administration refuses to make changes to increase transparency around,
and accountability for, hate crimes happening on campus.
Syracuse students are demanding changes that are long overdue, and the
students need our help to get the administration to respond to their
demands.
It’s time for the University’s administration to meet the demands of the
students who are protesting against hate crimes. [ [link removed] ]Write to University
leadership and tell them to punish students who commit hate crimes and
institute student protestors’ demands for transparency and accountability.
Until justice is real,
—Brandi, Rashad, Arisha, Jade, Johnny, Future, Amanda, Evan, Imani,
Samantha, Jenette, Ciera, Eesha, Marcus, FolaSade, and the rest of the
Color Of Change team
Please see our previous email below for more information on this issue.
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A series of racist incidents have taken place on Syracuse University’s
campus. Black students are being targeted with racist graffiti and racial
slurs. A white supremacist manifesto from the New Zealand shooter was
posted online to a Greek life forum and sent to several students’
phones.^3 And a Black woman was verbally attacked by white fraternity
members, who shouted the N-word at her.^4 These incidents are jeopardizing
Black students’ safety on campus. As an alum, I was disturbed, but I was
not surprised.
Join me in supporting Syracuse students as they demand accountability for
students who commit racist acts.
This is not the first instance of racism at Syracuse. Earlier this year,
it was reported that a white student used a gun to pistol-whip and
terrorize Black students at a party.^5 Last year, a group of Theta Tau
fraternity members performed and posted racist skits online. Although the
students were suspended, some of them were allowed to return to class and
to continue to learn alongside the same Black students who were harmed by
their actions.^6 The university’s insufficient responses to this pattern
of bigotry demonstrate a blatant disregard for the health and safety of
Black students.
Join Syracuse students in calling on the University to implement
anti-racist policies on campus.
The University’s lackluster response here is unsurprising. Syracuse
Chancellor Kent Syverud seems to care more about shutting down parties
than protecting Black students. His vague commitments in response to these
incidents show he’s not willing to take a strong stand against racism.
Black students — people who have had to work two, three, four, or five
times as hard to get into, and stay in, college — are having their college
experience destroyed.
We cannot allow white Syracuse students to keep threatening their Black
peers. We will continue to support the Black community at Syracuse as they
push for change to university policies and for a campus where every Black
student feels safe.^7 By signing the petition, you will support Black
students as they demand:
1. The University immediately expel anyone who commits racist acts;
2. The University hire more counselors that represent marginalized
groups;
3. The University adjust the Code of Student Conduct so that it
specifically establishes consequences for racism;
4. The University provide notification of racist incidents within 48
hours of the occurrence; and
5. The University commit to implementing an anti-racism curriculum.^8 9
Join me in demanding that Syracuse create a safe campus for Black
students.
References:
1. “Hate crimes go unchecked at Syracuse University, students say,” USA
Today, February 19, 2020,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
2. “Syracuse U tightens security after white supremacist manifesto; New
York Gov. Andrew Cuomo rips chancellor,” USA Today, November 19, 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
3. “SU chancellor responds to student sit-in demands as racist incidents
continue,” WBFO.org, November 20, 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
4. Twitter, November 19, 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
5. “SU community members voice concerns about Ackerman Avenue assault,”
The Daily Orange, February 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
6. “Syracuse Theta Tau brothers explain crude skits: 'We thought it was
OK' (police video),” Syracuse.com, January 29, 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
7. “#NotAgainSU releases revised list of demands,” The Daily Orange,
November 15, 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
8. Twitter, November 19, 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
9. “SU chancellor responds to student sit-in demands as racist incidents
continue,” WBFO.org, November 20, 2019,
[ [link removed] ][link removed]
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[ [link removed] ]Color Of Change is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black
folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. [ [link removed] ]Help
keep our movement strong.
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