Colleges across New England and around the country are seeing increased student activism with students asserting themselves on numerous issues by protesting, holding sit-ins, and rallies in an effort to draw attention to allegations of sexual assault and racial inequality.
This past week at Providence College in Rhode Island, about 50 students staged a sit-in Tuesday night outside President Reverend Brian Shandley’s office over allegations of racism. The protest ended peacefully after Father Shandley signed an agreement promising to create a more inclusive environment.
Steve Maurano, an Associate Vice President of Public Affairs, Community and Government Relations at Providence College tells WGBH Morning Edition host Bob Seay that the president signed a statement committing him to working with the students, faculty and staff to create an environment that is more equitable, diverse and inclusive.
He says diversity on the PC campus has tripled under Father Shandley’s tenure as president from a low of 5 percent to 15 percent for students of color. Maurano says PC has made significant progress in becoming more diverse and says there’s a vast difference between having a more diverse campus and being inclusive, therefore one of the goals moving forward is to work to make everyone welcome on campus and part of the PC community.
Shandley committed to naming a campus diversity committee, holding informational meetings with faculty, and creating a multi-cultural space for students to gather. A more detailed plan on the inclusion agreement is expected to be released March seventh.
