My value has not been recognized and I am tired.
What do you think when you hear the name American University? The idea of attending one of the most prestigious schools in our nation’s capital excited me. When my family dropped me off in August, I spent the entire drive down thinking about riding the metro for the first time, Sunday brunches, nights exploring the monuments, and joining every club on campus. I walked into my freshman year expecting to receive an amazing education, all while making lifelong friends. What I did not know is that during my third week on campus I would be standing in the middle of the quad, surrounded by thousands of people, protesting the university because one of my black students living on my floor found bananas in front of her door. As a person of color on this campus, I could not believe that I would be welcomed “home” like this.
On Monday, May 1st, 2017, a week before school ends, another racial incident occurred where bananas with the letters “AKA” written on them were found hanging from nooses in multiple locations on campus. This happened the same day Taylor Dumpson started her role as the university’s first black woman student government president. “AKA” is a reference to Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc., a predominantly black sorority of which Taylor is a member.
To say that I am hurting, would be an understatement. I am afraid to walk around campus by myself after a certain hour. I cannot focus on my school work because all I can think about is “what’s next?” or “who's next?” My mental health is deteriorating. I have friends at other campuses asking me how can something like this happen. I wish I had an answer for them, but I am still trying to piece this together myself. I pay full tuition at an institution that has yet to address that racism is a problem. The most important question has come from concerned family members and loved ones wondering, “what has [the] administration done to address this issue?”
After the incident with bananas last semester, I didn’t see much of a change. I felt like the reason that all of this happened again was that it wasn’t properly addressed the first time. Many other students had similar mindsets and I believe this is what led to demonstrations held on Tuesday, May 2nd and Friday, May 5th. Hundreds of students stormed into AU Central demanding withdrawal papers from the university, as well as shutting down a major tunnel on campus, blocking cars from entering and exiting campus. I was shocked at how many students, staff, and other members of the Washington, D.C. community came together to show their support. We shouldn’t have to do all of this during our finals week to be heard. American University should’ve been listening from the very start. After much back and forth, American University Provost Scott Bass, as well as the rest of administration, agreed to our short-term demands:
For the remaining of the semester, The Bridge, a student cafe, will become a sanctuary for people of color.
All POC students get extensions, and should not be penalized for already scheduled finals after the incident.
A separate investigation team based out of the university (composed of a group of non-biased expert contractors) that can investigate cases of racism and discrimination brought against the institution of American University.
Do I think there is hope? Of course, I do. I am the opinion and events writer for The Blackprint news publication at American University, as well as the outreach coordinator for Caribbean Circle Club and the social media chair for the Black Student Union on campus. I am also a member of the 2017-2018 American University Cheer Team. I say this because I have felt more love from my teammates, peers, organizations, and friends now more than ever at American. Through this horrible situation, I’ve seen unity strengthen our community. I don’t regret coming to American University because I’ve used my time here to get more informed about the things going on around me. More importantly, I’ve learned how to inform others. Although these incidents are disheartening, they are just a reminder that AU is a microcosm of the world. It’s important that we continue to raise awareness for the needs of all marginalized communities. I’ve seen leaders rise from the black diaspora organizations on campus. People from all walks of life have come together to rally behind those who were affected by these despicable actions. No one should ever have to experience what our campus has been dealing with these last few days, but we are doing everything we can to keep our heads held high. The moment we quit, the oppressor wins, and we can never let that happen. As a community, we will not stop until our demands are met. American University is not perfect, but no place ever is. Change can and will occur. It starts with us.
Related: American University Student to Receive Police Protection Following Hate Crime
