Providence College, a Catholic college, was the site, yesterday, of a one day sit-in by students reacting to the slow response from the administration in addressing concerns about racism and harassment on campus. Up to 50 students had promised to occupy the administration building longer, but PC President Rev. Brian Shanley signed an agreement to address each of the students demands.
A statement from the students shortly after 1 a.m.
“We would not leave until the document said he would provide a substantive plan in regards to “each” of the Demands for Redress because there is not one single one that we were willing to go unaddressed. Altogether we were in there thirteen hours, eight of which he ignored us and then gradually agreed to negotiate. This came when he realized we really wouldn’t leave his office until we had his signature and that four students were steadfast in their hunger strikes. We are proud of what we accomplished. We will see how honest he is in his commitment in 20 days and whether or not we believe his plans are substantive enough.”
So what were the demands?
- the convening of a standing Campus Diversity Committee whose members are to be named by the president and three students.
- student presence at a meeting between the president and the provost regarding curriculum reform
- a schedule of workshops on inclusive pedagogy
- repair and rehab of Moore Hall
I was caught by the Moore Hall item on a list of demands by students protesting racism on campus. A quick look seems to turn up that is largely used by a variety of campus groups and has a reputation for disrepair. There was protest about plans to build a new stadium in lieu of a multicultural center, but I’m not sure if the two items are related. I know nothing more, so sorry… I can’t really tell you why it is so important. Maybe someone else has an inkling.
And why civil disobedience at this time?
In 2005, PC was 5% non-white. This years incoming students students are 15% PoC. So, it is not an institution with a long a celebrated history of diversity, to say the least. And this is not the first reaction of students at what they saw as inaction by the administration. Since at least the fall, students, tweeting with #PCbreakthesilence, have been growing frustrated with the president over a range of issues including treatment by campus security and the curriculum of the school. They have held several protests on campus, and weathering the harassment by peers and alums in cases, being told to transfer or that “ALL students matter”. They have been threatened with violence, with no apparent response from the administration.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, five black female students were assaulted at an off campus PC party. Racial slurs were used and bottles were thrown at these students who were denied access to the party. The president did not return from his trip to Florida. He also failed to address the assault in any meaningful way. So, outside his office they sat. And did homework. And were ignored. And were told they had to clear out at 4:30. And they ignored the closing time deadline. And they sat some more. And they tweeted. And they were met by the president. And they negotiated a bit. And they snapped some pics of the president signing their demands. And they promised to pick it back up again in 20 days if the foot dragging continues.
For a bit more on this story:
www.rifuture.org/...
www.providencejournal.com/...