On August 3rd, 2021 in the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention class at Columbia University Graduate School of Nursing, a professor by the name of Iannacci-Manasia, led a conversation about the racist posting from one of the Teaching Assistant’s Bianca Bucci (depicted above in the attached picture). Here in the class the professors, fake, ingenuine, ignorant, and gaslighting tropes were displayed in an emotional and tumultuous two-hour recording session. At the beginning of the session we all verbally stated that we were okay with the lecture being recorded for future reference. Furthermore, if any individuals did not want to be a part of the conversation or be recorded they were allowed to leave. In addition, we recieved both a verbal conformation from both Dr. Wolfe and Manasia that it would be emailed swiftly to students after the lecture was finished. For days, almost a week, no email had been received with the recording lecture, and we began to be inquiry as to the delay. Multiple requests have been made prior to this letter. Such requests were originally evaded and ultimately rejected with no clear or sound explanation. All previous sessions of said class were recorded and made available to students immediately following class. There is no reason for this material to be concealed. On August 17th, 2021, Manasia sent an email detailing the policy of the class and that because class material was not discussed in the recording it could not be sent out to students. Unfortunately, this strays from reality and truth; per Columbia’s policies and media rules for class, all zoom classes that are recorded are to be made available to students especially if requested. It does not discuss what the lecture consists of, whether it’s a teaching course, discussion lecture or etc. Plus, a racial deconstruction conversation that most students actively engaged in is useful class information as Columbia’s states its loyalty to reduce bias and discrimination. After discussing with legal counsel, the video can be subpoenaed in the court of law, and should the recording be deleted/destroyed, it is admissible and whatever is stated was on that recording will be taken as the truth per the jury.

We are writing to demand the immediate release of the recording from August 3rd of Health promotion and Disease Prevention, taught by professor Manasia and subsequent and swift resignation of professor Manasia as it has come to light that this is not the first act of racial misconduct demonstrated by her harmful and ignorant actions. The class in question is just one instance at the center of declarations by students that Columbia School of Nursing is fostering a toxic environment for BIPOC students.

The administration has stated that they are committed to investigating these claims and acting against any such behavior. If this is truly the case, there should be no hesitation in releasing this video. Refusing to release this content to students undermines our rights and contradicts the administration’s commitment to "provide a safe, supportive, inclusive, and anti-bias learning environment”. Furthermore, Columbia bylaws state that the use of zoom recordings was stated by the professor. On the tape and beginning of the semester we were told verbatim that all class recordings would be available within 1-2 days after the class ended. Now the backtracking signifies an attempt to suppress damning evidence against Manasia, and exposes the virulence of racism at the world class institution. An email from the Deans stated that "any mistreatment or bias that we are made aware of within our community, whether subtle or overt, will not be tolerated”. We ask you to consider that promise in your attempt to cover up evidence by withholding this recording. Truth must be given, and accountability taken, that is the only way change will occur.