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Gateway to ideas and discussion
This evening Barnard hosted its last of a series of town halls and forums to discuss the direction Barnard Admissions should take in terms of transwomen applying to the school. As per protocol of the last town hall, direct quotes and discussion cannot be reported openly just yet, but students who attended the forums are welcome to share personal experiences and insights that surround the topic at hand. Proud Barnard Bear Lili Brown tells of her current thoughts after this evening’s discussion with President Debora Spar and many alumnae and fellow students.
Though they were comparatively fewer faces at this town hall, the vibrant discussion attracted the voices of a diverse group of Barnard students and alumnae. The continued care of past Barnard students proves to me that the college experience Barnard offers is not to be taken for granted or one to be overlooked. Some of my fellow peers say Barnard is too delayed in this process (especially as Bryn Mawr released a new admissions policy last week); it’s a no-brainer that our admissions policy should be accepting of transwomen. But I push back and say that the strong consideration and invitation of our alumnae into the conversation – and their clear interest in involvement – reveals an aspect of the Barnard community that is stronger than the discussion over who we include vs. exclude. Barnard has continuously offered women the opportunity to voice their opinions without inhibition, express their insecurities and queries without fear of judgment, and debate constructively with fellow peers.
I have so far in my few months here received nothing short of that.
Though this is the last town hall open on Barnard’s campus to students and alumnae, the online form welcomes all opinions and is open until this Wednesday at 5pm. The Board of Trustees, who is responsible for making the ultimate decision over the policy, will have its first meeting of many on March 2nd, analyzing the notes and records from the forums during the last few weeks and the myriad of responses to the online form thus far.
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@Harmony Hunter is this harmony
@Anonamoose You’re back! I’m glad you’ve safely returned from another dangerous journey.
@Just wondering why the fuck should the opinions of alumnae who will literally not be affected by a change in policy in the slightest be more important than the actual trans women who are currently excluded from all the town halls? Why are we letting people enforce their bigoted views of what it means to be a woman just because they’re ~~alumnae~~?
@Also wondering Apparently everyone who disagrees with you is “bigoted” no matter what.
@Anonymous probably for the same reason they’d consult with alums, and not random prospective men, in a discussion about whether or not to go coed. In that case obviously all the men bothering to attend that forum would be for it. But it’s really hard to assess the purpose and experience of a women’s college without having attended one.
Also there’s probably a (reasonable) fear that opening up to the greater Columbia community would invite mass trolling.
That being said, I hope Barnard eventually finds a way to include trans voices in this important decision. It seems to me trans women will soon be invited and these forums are just a formality to help the community understand this complex issue.
@Anonymous Barnard students are all invited. Obviously you are not a Barnard student, by your tone. Why would Barnard want a non student comment on their policies and procedures. The alumni are the donors, administrators, and face of the college. They have every right to make a say in their school.