The Native American Student Awareness Committee, in conjunction
with African-American, gay/lesbian/bisexual, Latino/a, Asian, White,
Jewish, women's and other student groups along with some departmental
support, took over the Administration building at Binghamton University,
New York, at noon on 5/4/94. A brief history is summarized below. They are
looking for support through calls to (607)797-9986 although the phones may
be cut off soon. They also ask for people to notify local and national
press of this action. The more publicized this is and the more support
these students get, the less likely it is that they will be suspended,
arrested, or worse.
Two years ago, Binghamton students proposed a diversity curriculum
requirement for Freshmen. The Dean of the Harper College (the main college
of Binghamton University) assembled a committee (made up of all white men,
except for one white woman) that proposed an unacceptable option to the
students. Following a protest by students, the first proposal was
discarded by the Dean, who then charged a new task force (with more
diversity) to come up with a new proposal. The task force wrote another
proposal, which the Dean kept from being presented to the Harper College
Council. Dean of Harper College, Sharon Brehm, in conjunction with two
professors, wrote a third proposal (resembling the first one) that was
brought before the Council. After this, the task force was disassembled
and their proposal was discarded.
Today, the students protested at the Council meeting. While
reading their statement, Dean Brem walked out, refusing to listen. The
students then walked to the Administration building to meet with Provost
Swain, Dean Brehm's superior. Provost Swain walked out of this meeting
after only a few minutes with student leaders. At noon, the Provost's
office and the rest of the building was taken over by a large number and
diverse group of students. The students have three demands:
1. A meeting to discuss Dean Brehm's actions with many University
officials.
2. A new task force that will be selected by the University president.
3. No students will be punished for the building takeover.
Please show your support to these students and their struggle for
equality by calling them at 607-797-9986 and by contacting your local press
with this statement.