Ithaca College

 Dr. King phrased it best when stating that “there comes a time when silence is betrayal”. We all have been witnesses of racism and discrimination within this nation. We, the Ithaca College community, can no longer be silent about these injustices.

To our Campus Community,

Dr. King phrased it best when stating that “there comes a time when silence is betrayal”. We all have been witnesses of racism and discrimination within this nation. We, the Ithaca College community, can no longer be silent about these injustices. As individuals engaging in higher learning, it is our duty to dismantle systemic barriers. We pride ourselves as a private college serving the public good. Now more than ever we must stand on the side of justice, and serve the public good. 

The unlawful killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery are just a few of the many lives lost to police brutality and prejudice attacks based upon the color of their skin. As a campus community, we must come together and take action against racism and uplift our P.O.C. (People of Color) communities. It is time for P.O.C. to feel safe, secure, also heard. In light of Director of Public Safety Bill Kerry's statement to the community, we request that Ithaca College's campus security and the Ithaca police work with the POC community to establish a safe and just environment for students and residents. As a private collegiate institution, we have the privilege of attaining higher education. Our education must be diverse and inclusive, a place where we discuss more than the status quo. We must promote and engage in discussions of police brutality, immigration, gender issues, et cetera. These discussions must be implemented across campus to encourage members of our campus community to think critically and act responsibly. 

Cases of police brutality affect us all. We cannot desensitize ourselves to these heinous crimes. George, Breonna, and Ahmaud will not be another statistic. We encourage you to take action; donate to causes that provide support to P.O.C communities, volunteer at local organizations and developments in Ithaca or in your hometown, attend protests supporting black rights or take a class that dissects a culture that you have no ties to. On-campus, student organizations such as Poder, Black Student Union, Embrace,  IC Futures, Sister to Sister, Asian American Alliance, and more have determined and motivated activists who are making progress in establishing solidarity and unity, but that is not enough. It goes beyond just the P.O.C. community when it comes to creating a foundation for Ithaca College to move towards equality and inclusivity. 

To our non-P.O.C campus members, you are an essential part of this move towards equality and empowerment. We need your support now more than ever, and we are counting on you to make a difference towards a brighter tomorrow. As an entire Ithaca College community, represent your humanity. It is our duty to help one another actualize a just world. Now more than ever, we must take matters into our own hands. This is the beginning of the movement towards condemning racism and uplifting our P.O.C. communities at Ithaca College. During these dark times, we call on our students, faculty, staff, campus partners, and administration to rise above these hateful acts and use our power to propel an equitable and inclusive future for Ithaca College. 

Together in solidarity, 

Sebastian Chavez, Students of Color Coalition Senator 

and the Student Governance Council