This week’s events were a powerful demonstration of solidarity between disparate campus groups, a clear display of the palpable anger some students feel toward the Administration and an example of the power of grassroots activism. The students also successfully used the media to their advantage; at least two local TV news channels broadcasted hundreds of students blockading Bennet’s office and issuing demands.
But the demands and activities of this week were at times unfocused, oversimplified and disrespectful. Far-reaching and pressing issues such as hate crimes were seemingly on par with comparatively trivial complaints like having to walk a long distance to do laundry. And although most students behaved respectfully, it was disappointing that some were unable to control their anger. Dealing with the Administration can be frustrating, but throwing tape and verbally abusing administrators are not productive actions.
Now that the protesters have the attention of the Administration and the public, the ball is in the students’ court. They also must take advantage of this momentum by appealing to the more moderate members of the school. After all, numerous students felt alienated and confused by some of the protestors’ tactics and arguments this week. Furthermore, some of the students who attended the rally and the forum were there out of curiosity and not necessarily as a sign of support, despite being counted by organizers.
Students need to operate on the Administration’s level instead of forcing officials to stoop to theirs. Go straight to the source. Talk to administrators. Go to Public Safety’s open hours. Be mature and be prepared to accept some compromise. Demonstrate that this protest was just one battle in a larger fight. Although it attracted attention, the failure of the forum to enact change demonstrates that more must be done than to simply make noise. While less glamorous then protests, making repeated contact with administrators allows them to get a better understanding of what students want.
On Jan. 19 the Administration will issue its response to the numerous grievances presented by the students. Students cannot expect simple yes or no answers on this day or any other every issue—it’s just not that simple—but they should demand the Administration to do all within their power to work with the students to improve this campus as much as possible. There are those who are against authority for its own sake. But that’s not a path to progress. Change can only happen through mutual goals and conversations based on agreed-upon facts. Let’s have those.
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