“UMass Amherst has a long-standing commitment to social progress and social justice. We value diversity and equity and strive for inclusive excellence in our classrooms, research labs, residence halls, workspaces, and beyond.” Nothing about this is true at all, and it runs counter to what is currently happening at UMass Amherst right now. The idea for October's bulletin board needs to change, immediately.

Black students need to feel seen, safe, secure, & more. The statement doesn't convey that. Why do we have to post this sentence? What's the goal here? It feels as though Black students on campus continuously have to do the job of administrators and others in power to make their voices feel heard, respected, seen, and more. They are tired, and don't need to hear or see a statement like the one above when it clearly isn't true.

Since the late 60s, Black students have had to fight for their right to be on this campus, and they still do so today. From microaggressions to blatantly racist acts, UMass hasn't given adequate resources for Black students, faculty, staff, and even administrators to feel supported and as though they belong here. For Resident Assistants, our first contact is with students in the residence halls. We need to be as equipped as possible to respond to racist incidents, as well as other hate crimes that happen. The bulletin board idea for October doesn't allow for that, which is why it has to be changed.