In Solidarity, a Message from the UA

Fri Jun 5 00:08:03 EDT 2020

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“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
— Angela Y. Davis

Dear Undergrads,

Words cannot begin to describe this pain. The prevalence of black death and unyielding injustice is an excruciating reality to live in. The recurrent pattern of another day, another death must end, and each of us can take steps to stop this cycle.

I, as well as the other Undergraduate Association (UA) Officers, denounce all attacks on black lives and the militarization of law enforcement against protestors. We grieve the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others. The UA stands in solidarity with the families that have lost loved ones due to racist attacks by both law enforcement and private citizens. While we mourn, we are determined to commit our collective resources—energy, intellect, creativity, and passion— toward effecting change.

>From the slaughter, kidnapping, looting, and sexual violence inflicted upon indigenous people to the subjugation, dehumanization, and imposition of an inferior black identity upon Africans, racism has plagued America since the early 17th century. It has ingrained itself into the foundation of this country.

We stand in solidarity with those seeking justice within the system, and we equally stand with those protesting the tyranny of anti-blackness in all 50 states. We recognize that notions of “peace” have often been used as weapons to discourage the rightful rage felt by people across the world witnessing injustice. We denounce senseless acts of violence by American law enforcement and support the peaceful protesters who are demanding better from our country.

We acknowledge the disproportionate burden on marginalized groups to fight racism in its countless manifestations. Each of us, regardless of race or background, can and must contribute to this fight. We urge each MIT student to educate themselves, reflect on their own biases, and work to eradicate the anti-black ideologies surrounding them.

You are not alone in this fight. As the UA, we pledge to use our platform to promote wellbeing and justice in our MIT community. In response to recent events, the UA is planning to:

  *   Hold an open UA Council Zoom meeting<https://mit.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0cb9f68f0bc51d0385e5d8872&id=f4b8d0e0de&e=b65712b0ab> today, June 5th at 8 PM ET for undergraduates to share their ideas for new policy initiatives that should be prioritized by the UA’s legislative body. If you would like to share your perspective, but cannot make this meeting, please email ua-secretary at mit.edu<mailto:ua-secretary at mit.edu>.

  *   Investigate MIT’s relationship with various police departments and innovate proactive initiatives to prevent police brutality on campus.

  *   Host a Zoom call with the Institute Community Equity Officer, John Dozier, to discuss ways to create a more inclusive Institute.

  *   Work with MIT Mental Health to create a support group for black students coping with recent events of targeted violence as well as the compounded disproportionate impacts of COVID-19. More details to come.

  *   Sponsor a fundraiser to leverage our privilege by donating to effective organizations focused on promoting justice.

  *   Highlight<https://mit.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0cb9f68f0bc51d0385e5d8872&id=61c67d642f&e=b65712b0ab> student efforts in addressing systemic racism within their communities.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities for engagement, please fill out this form<https://mit.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0cb9f68f0bc51d0385e5d8872&id=ab7751cb0c&e=b65712b0ab> and visit the “BLM” section<https://mit.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0cb9f68f0bc51d0385e5d8872&id=49809ecd17&e=b65712b0ab> on our website. We are always looking for ways to better support our community and we encourage you to email us with any ideas or thoughts you may have.

Our hearts are with you. Please take care of yourself and prioritize your safety. If you need any support or just want to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Regards,
Danielle Geathers
President of the Undergraduate Association
She/Hers/Her

Our mailing address is:
ua-secretary at mit.edu<mailto:ua-secretary at mit.edu>

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