Friendly, welcoming faces

Friendly, welcoming faces

On Monday night, SGA took a break from its usual proceedings and opened things up to anyone who wanted to voice concerns regarding the issues students have been facing in the wake of recent events. Reliable reporter Joe Milholland was there, and he brings you a summary of last night’s discussions. 

On Monday night from 8-10 pm, a large crowd of Barnard students, faculty, admins, and staff—including Dean of the College Avis Hinkson and Barnard President Debora Spar—gathered in the second floor dining room of the Diana Center to discuss to address recent events, specifically the non-indictments of the police officers who killed Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Overall, the students there asked for systemic, institutional changes to help people of color and other marginalized students at Barnard and Columbia.

Many students felt concerned with the lack of acknowledgement from the school and the administration about the news. That police were called on protesting students was heavily criticized by students at the meeting, and many talked about having to choose between activism and schoolwork. Several students mentioned racist and insulting remarks and actions they experienced in the wake of the non-indictments and protests. Those at the forum also criticized the initial “Party Like It’s 1889” theme of this year’s Midnight Breakfast.

Some students also talked about the lack of resources for students, especially those who are marginalized. Low-income students in particular can run into difficulties if they have to take time off from Barnard for health reasons, and those who come back after time off for mental health reasons may not have access to Barnard’s health insurance. Additionally, the recent extensions in mental health resources are for a limited time only. Some students asked for more recognition of transgender and gender non-conforming students.

Students also addressed classes and curriculum. Many expressed a desire for classes, possibly even required, that addressed present-day issues and global identities, as opposed to the Eurocentric and backward-looking Core Curriculum and Nine Ways of Knowing. Several students mentioned that their classes which discussed the non-indictments and other issues on campus were helpful. Those at the forum also expressed a desire to see more student-faculty interaction, as well as flexible deadlines for assignments.

Every fifteen years, Barnard undergoes a curriculum review, and there is one going on currently. It is headed by Barnard Provost Linda Bell. Students who want input on this can go to her office hours or email acr@barnard.edu.

Faculty, admins, and staff at the event echoed students or thanked them for their information. To the students at the event, Furman center counselor Gillian Scott-Ward said, “You can take action by dedicating yourself to action, by acknowledging […] people who are different—that should be one of the goals at college.” She also told the students, “When you hear friends say horrible and horrific things, stop them and educate them.”

Resources:

  • On Wednesday night there will be a discussion with Dean Hinkson, and on Thursday morning, there will be a discussion with President Spar. The location for both events is TBA and will be sent out in an email.
  • Clinicians on call
  • Furman Health Services on lower level. This week, Furman office hours are from 5-7 pm on Wednesday and 7-9:30 pm on Thursday in Elliot, with extended listening hours next week.
  • Email concerns to MJ Murphy, Director of Health Services, at mmurphy@barnard.edu.
  • For concerns about specific classes (such as extensions on assignments), email the faculty member responsible for the class. For broader academic concerns, contact class deans.
  • Student Life in rooms 301 and 303 of the Diana Center
  • RAs
  • SGA
  • Nightline (10 pm-3 am daily, 212-854-7777)
  • Well Women—This week, it has drop-in hours from 1-4.

 Student council via Shutterstock