Hello, everyone. 

Firstly, I want to really thank you all for your efforts to spread the word. I've had alumni from years past reach out to me to tell me that this is the step they want Villanova to take. I've had PoC and white allies talk about how IGR was a transformative experience, and that the burden is on Villanova to constantly do better. We've crossed over 3,000 signatures. That's over 40% of the undergraduate class, 90% of the graduate students, and over 27% of the total enrollment at Villanova.

In response to the petition and our collective efforts to make Villanova a more inclusive environment, I've gotten into contact with the Deans of VSB, as well as the College of Nursing. I haven't received a response from the interim Dean of Engineering. I've been invited to a Zoom call with the VSB Dean and the FCN dean separately, and I plan on inviting Rachelle and other students so that we can convey to the heads of the colleges that these specific requirements are what the student body supports. 

Additionally, I've also gotten an email from Father Peter that says, and I quote: "Thank you for your commitment and I agree we need to move forward in expanding the diversity requirement.  Curriculum changes are not quickly made.  However, the process has begun and I thank you for raising your voice and those of others to support this moving forward."

Let me be clear; this is not where the issue ends. We haven't received a timeline on when these curriculum changes are meant to take place, nor exactly what the contents are for courses in the curriculum. Not only is this about having the difficult conversations on race in society on campus, but it's about prioritizing these conversations given their implications on all Villanovans. Details on when and what are absolutely critical to know for the student body. Together, we've made them listen to us. However, I refuse to stop being impassioned due to changes not being "quickly made."  

Ask the difficult questions to the administration in addition to signing this petition. Email your professors and your deans about this movement. Tell them that you want more of an investment into PoC faculty, and into these courses that are critically important. Show Villanova administration that we only settle for concrete action and not the platitudes of "diversity and inclusion efforts". 

Once again, I want to deeply thank you all for going on this journey with Rachelle and me. Change is coming, and Villanova will become better for all people because of it. Sending love, and hopeful thoughts. 

~Haseeb Waseem