Petition updateStop SUNY Potsdam's Abuse of Student RightsSUNY Potsdam anti-hate student group POWER releases list of demands on social media
David MansorLeland, NC, United States
Dec 13, 2015
POTSDAM — Following demonstrations made last week in the wake of a third hate note found at SUNY Potsdam, a recently formed student group called Potsdam’s Oppressed Working Every Resource released a list of demands on social media which began with the “immediate removal” of the college’s dean of students and director of student conduct and community standards. The eight-item list also calls for a 10 percent increase in black staff members at the college, a five-year strategic plan that increases retention rates for marginalized students and more transparency about the college’s hiring decisions. College spokeswoman Alexandra J. Wilke said Wednesday evening that SUNY Potsdam President Kristin G. Esterberg is aware of the list of demands and will meet with the POWER’s leaders Friday morning to discuss them. Concerning POWER’s demands to fire two college officials, Ms. Wilke said according to SUNY policy, all information related to personnel must be held private. According to a Facebook video captured by a participant, student demonstrators confronted Mr. Morris at his office early last week, demanding that classes be canceled and their tuition be refunded if the college did not do something major to make them feel safe. The full list POWER’s demands is as follows: ■ The immediate removal of William G. “Chip” Morris, dean of students, as well as an amendment of SUNY Potsdam policy to require that all future employees hired for the position of dean of students be chosen by a collective of students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds. ■ The immediate removal of Annette L. Robbins, director of student conduct and community standards, as well as an amendment to SUNY Potsdam’s judicial system that advocates for fair practice and procedure. ■ That SUNY Potsdam increase black staff members campus-wide by 10 percent by the 2017-18 academic year. ■ That SUNY Potsdam create a strategic five-year plan by May 1, which increases retention rates of marginalized students, sustains diversity curriculum and training, and promotes a safer and more inclusive campus. ■ That SUNY Potsdam increase funding and resources for hiring more mental health professionals, particularly those of color, to boost mental health outreach and programming. ■ More transparency about SUNY Potsdam’s efforts to hire faculty and staff, including obstacles encountered. ■ That SUNY Potsdam create a protocol for handling hate crimes that is separate from its harassment protocol. ■ Guaranteed job security for faculty, staff, and administrators who support this list of demands.
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