Raise Your Voice: Student Activism

My freshman year in college, I innocently walked into a workshop about white supremacy. I had imagined I would learn about overt acts of racism (a la the KKK) but I when the workshop ended, I walked out stunned. My 19 year old brain had never been exposed to the idea of systemic oppression (please cut me some slack–it was very early 2000s and information did not travel like it does now). That day was probably one of the most formative days in school–it was like a curtain had been pulled back and suddenly so many things made sense, while so many more created confusion. After that workshop, it still took me years to really understand the nuances of white supremacy; mostly because it’s hard to accept such a frustrating, angering, terrifying premise.

Thankfully younger students are more woke than I was at their age, and things are happening. Aside from the DREAMer activists, that have shown absolute fearlessness, it’s time to talk about Mizzou.  And not just the situation of Mizzou, but the importance of using your voice as a student/alumni to demand real change in your education experience.

In a nutshell, incidents of racism weren’t being addressed appropriately by administration. Students united and together they are creating change in the system. That’s really what it boils down to–how are acts of racism being reacted to by administration? Are they dismissing concerns as racialized fantasies or are they validating them and reacting appropriately?

While not every incident may rise to a protest, the important part is knowing that you do have the right to voice your opinion and to demand accountability and change–in whatever form necessary. And while I know that pushing back against the system is hard, we shouldn’t shy away from it. It’s actually very empowering once you’ve experienced it.

I remember a big misstep at my school when I was a 3L. A 1L complained that another student (white male) kept making inappropriate “jokes” about her immigration status. The comments were ignorant and should have been addressed by admin, but instead admin gently reminded her that the legal field was tough so maybe she should grow thicker skin. Obviously that’s a bullshit response. In that case, we should have come together to demand better from the school, but the idea of making waves was unseemly. There weren’t that many Latino students and those of us there were so eager to seem like we were level-headed, approachable, and “professional” by the status quo, that we failed this student.

If you find yourself, like we were, unsure about whether to participate in protests or in other forms of activism, you should ask yourself where does the apprehension come from? A real concern about the organization/purpose of the protest or are you worried about how it will affect you as an individual? Because sometimes all it takes to get past the fear is being part of a unified voice.

Another apprehension in participating that I’ve seen is that some Latino students may only view this as an issue within the Black community. Often, Latinos see issues that affect the Black community and don’t know recognize that it’s also our fight, but it is, absolutely. Ignoring the fact that there are many Afro-Latinos in our community, trust that the System isn’t only attempting to suppress one group. By ignoring and not participating, you’re telling the status quo that you’re ok with racism as long as it’s not you. However, you’re fooling yourself if you think racism won’t eventually reach you, and when students of color unite, you are creating a stronger force that the administration must address while creating easier paths for all students of color that are to come, not just one group.

Finally, if you’re on the fence about the protests in Mizzou or elsewhere, I really encourage a review of white supremacy in the U.S.  Understanding the nuances of race in America, how we are perceived, systemic oppression, etc.  is eye-opening. It helps explain so many problems within our community and it reveals possible solutions.

In short, using your voice to demand change is one of the strongest things you can do as a student. Don’t let fear stop you from participating. Finally, remember you are a consumer, paying thousands of dollars for your education–you deserve to be in a space that’s accepting and welcoming. Why should it be easy for one group, but isolating and scary for another? If you have the chance to demand change–demand it.