The recent murder of George Floyd has inflamed American hearts and exposed an immense sorrow and deep rooted anger that many people in this nation have carried on their backs for far too long. George Floyd’s case in particular depicted clearly for the world, the long-standing injustices against people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and all other marginalized groups. America has united against this injustice, as evidenced by protests, rioting, and violence in communities across the world where leadership has failed to create policy that is able to deescalate these tensions. Minorities rights have been subjugated by those feeding into institutionalized racism and white privilege for their own benefit, continued prosperity and level of comfort. For years, we have seen or heard in classrooms and on television about the amazing opportunities America affords to its people. But as we grow older and gain knowledge, we realize that those sentiments are not true and perpetuate a false reality. We are reminded daily that all men are NOT equal and are continually subjected to subhuman treatment. We see this everywhere and, unfortunately, we see this rampant within the community of SUNY Maritime College.

         While we embrace the privilege and opportunity to attend a university and to study subjects in higher education, many of us the first in our families to graduate from college and in some cases high school, minorities on SUNY Maritime’s campus have been subjected to racist, misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic, and xenophobic practices, statements, actions and unfortunately standing policies currently in place at SUNY Maritime College. We can no longer allow this to go unnoticed. This does not provide a safe and promising environment for any of us. 

          What we as a minority group seek is simple; to make a change as to how SUNY Maritime disciplines those who oppress others for the color of their skin, gender, sexual orientation, health condition and religious values. We also seek to improve the quality and quantity of services provided to minority groups and students on campus. This includes; increasing the amount of free-thinking English electives to include gender studies, African studies, black history and culture studies, etc. We also would like to see more programming around creating spaces in our community not only to include the LGBTQ+ folks. We understand that change can be frightening, however, change is a constant. It is imperative that these changes take place immediately! The way that SUNY Maritime has handled incidents involving their minority students in the past has been extremely distasteful and has highlighted the distinct disparities in treatment and severity of punishment when compared to that of our white male cisgender shipmates. These disparities that we as the minority have faced for too long, need to be confronted head on. Far too long complaints have been made and for far too long they have gone ignored or brushed under the rug. We yearn for justice and reform that will abide by the basic rules your Maritime faculty, staff, and administrations claim to stand for. We expect that moving forward that strict corrective action be taken regardless of who it is that is involved in the incident. When a minority seeks to make a report against a prejudice they’ve experienced, we want actions taken. Minorities do not want to be told they are the problem for an injustice done to them by someone who is a part of the majority. We have long endured an iron fist as minorities on the receiving end of “justice” while our counterparts are addressed with understanding and distinct leniency. Our goal is to hold a mirror to our leaders and to Maritime as WHOLE. We do not hope to cause riot and division within our community, but we hope instead to identify and acknowledge a very real and very dangerous problem that often, figuratively, runs on our MUG path, create and uphold new policy and create a foundational culture change in our campus community.

        We ask that you help us send a message to the school, that the compliant and silent culture regarding xenophobia at SUNY Maritime cannot remain any longer. We ask that you sign the petition and stand with us as we demand change on our campus. We intend to present this petition to the Dean of Admissions Rohan Howell, Dean of Students William Imbriale, Admiral Michael Alfultis, Provost Joseph Hoffman, Captain Katie Hanft, Captain Morgan McManus, and anyone else in the administration whose job is meant to protect us and has the power to create policy to incite change. Please spread this to your message to your classmates, peers and to our Alumni community. We need to identify this issue and make it known.

            We intend to host a student run town hall over Zoom so that we can further organize and can begin planning on how to combine our experiences. Please contact justiceformaritime@gmail.com for more details.

            To the person reading this right now; you are more than just an identification number, a name on a roster, or a tuition fee. You matter. You and your friends may have been exposed to a vile and demeaning form of hate. We want nothing more than to make things right where you were wronged. If you are receiving this email and are shocked and surprised by the things you are reading, please know that we are not blaming you. We only want to see Maritime become a place where all students, regardless of creed, race, religion, sexual orientation and identity are welcomed, safe, encouraged to succeed, supported, and cared for.