Rachel Hanebutt — Class of 2015
The following is why I am personally donating to AAAS at DePauw and not participating in DePauw Day.
Looking for the words to summarize the unacceptable, but yet again (heartbreakingly) unsurprising hate crimes and racism on DePauw University’s campus, I was inspired by this incredible analysis and compilation by my dear friend, Jazmin Lesane. Fellow DePauw Alumni and Friends, if you’re just now tuning in, please do yourself a favor and read her post that summarizes the past week’s events, as well as reminds us all of how far we have to go in order to truly make DePauw something to be proud of.
We have ethical responsibilities as DePauw graduates to not be complacent and to continuously work as allies to DePauw’s students of color that are fighting the same institutionalized issues many of us saw/experienced during our own days on campus. My initial challenge for us is to:
(1) Think about the implications of participating in DePauw Day (aka Don’t donate $$ to the university), and find ways to support students directly (like #MyBlackIsGold);
(2) Raise up student voices (through social media, emails, and in-person) to hold the administration accountable for providing a SAFE campus for ALL students, not just those who are [white] legacies; and
(3) Evaluate your own responsibilities as a DePauw graduate, which includes making an effort to continuously educate yourself on racial injustice, unpacking how your white privilege affects those around you, and actively fighting against oppression, discrimination, and all forms of violence against people of color.
The fight is not over until every student is safe and supported. And only then will we truly be able to have #TigerPride
