Trinity students should expect their college, and by extension the student groups they sponsor, to use our tuition in a way that makes the campus safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for as many people as possible. We are disappointed in the decision by Barnyard, the student group in charge of arranging Spring Weekend, to bring Kehlani to our campus. We are disappointed in their judgment, lack of research, and blatant disregard for our rights to a safe space by bringing a misandrist to our campus.

I wholeheartedly appreciate how the Trinity College Community came together in support of getting rid of a controversial artist that would have assaulted a student for fun, (see Remove Action Bronson from Trinity College's Spring Weekend Concert)

 "It only takes one person to drunkenly (or soberly) upset Action Bronson by getting on stage, or in his way, for him to violently assault someone. The available evidence suggests men specifically are targeted by Action Bronson, meaning no one is given a safe space at a Bronson concert. We believe this is not a risk the college should take. Last year at the Kygo concert, Campus Safety stood by motionless while students were pushed into fences, stepped on, and led away from the concert blackout drunk. We don’t trust the College to protect us."

It is extremely disheartening however that khelani was not mentioned as well as she is a grave concern to our safety as well. It only takes one drunk individual to make a remark about Kyrie Irving or Chris Brown to send her into a downward spiral of despair. This inevitable event would cause great distress amongst the students who may have experience with suicide either themselves or in their lives.

 This situation will easily evolve into a social justice issue with students flocking to her defense while others will poke and prod.. not a pretty scene at a boozed up, "lit" outdoor concert that already has our campus in a tiff.

Not only does her history bring up concern as Bronsons did, but her lyrics also pose stark similarities to those that brought Action to justice.

LYRICS

Just as Bronson attacks the safe space of sexual assault victims, men, and pretty much everyone in the world due to his "endorsement of violence, specifically against women and minorities"(Petition 1), kehlani continues to promote the cycle of racial degradation. In her song "Niggas", the artist chorus reads,

"Niggas gon' always be niggas
Can't afford to give my heart to these niggas
Ain't got time to lose my mind to these niggas"

Unlike Action Bronson who posted a letter apologizing for his artistic expression of a fictional character (such as Christian Bale did in American Psycho), Kehlani has yet to apologize for continuing the perpetual cycle of decay that the African-American population feels is at the heart of the racial inequality in our country. 

(Bronson letter)

"I’m writing this letter to hopefully bring clarity to some misconceptions about who I am as an artist and as a person. It has become clear to me that things have reached a point which makes me feel the need to address the issues raised so that we can bring some understanding and healing to the table, so to speak. I can’t continue to walk around with the thought that people are thinking these things abo...ut me that are far from who I really am.Five years ago in 2011, I wrote a song called “Consensual Rape” that admittedly contains lyrics and a general sentiment of violence towards woman which I never meant to represent who I am but rather to depict a story. I approach my music as other types of artists approach their work, and I don’t always intend the stories that I tell, the characters that I play in them or the lyrics I lay down to be taken literally. The songs I make aren’t any different than a director creating a movie, or an author writing a book meaning they contain scenes or things happen in them that aren’t meant to be anything but an artistic expression- just a song, a book or a film. I’ve never performed “Consensual Rape” at a concert, and I don’t plan to.

Regardless, I understand that when it comes to musicians, and more specifically rappers, the lyrics I say are taken to heart many times as a representation of my beliefs or true feelings. SO please let me make this very clear: I think rape and acts of violence toward woman are DISGUSTING. I would never condone anything remotely close to that type of behavior, and it’s certainly not what I’m about at all. But, the song in question has caused people discomfort and pain and I’m sincerely sorry about it. It was not my intention to hurt people when I made it years ago, and I certainly will be much more sensitive on this matter moving ahead.

Similarly, there has been some attention placed on a insensitive Instagram post I made years ago regarding me inappropriately labelling someone as transexual and being disrespectful to them in a way that is not ok. I have sat with members of the LGBT community recently in an effort to understand how to avoid being hurtful and insensitive towards these issues moving forward. I have never had any issues with anyone’s sexual orientation or gender transitioning. I’m far, far from perfect and I recognize my flaws and I’m making an effort to grow and be a better human.

Thanks for reading this.

-Action Bronson"

Knowing Kehlani will inevitably cause anxiety and fear to our community when she performs next Saturday are more than I can stand for. I cannot simply not attend the concert as it is my right as a student to stand up for our entire community and speak for every individual.

It will be said that this petition is overstepping, and just a reaction to the uproar over Action Bronson being dismissed.. but we assure you that the Trinity Faculty must be held accountable for our well being, and our safe-space must be maintained.