Last week at Smith College, students of the social work program protested in response to alleged racist undertones of two leaked letters written by faculty members. According to an Aug. 22 Boston Globe article, the letter criticizes administrative efforts to improve the diversity of Smith’s student body by claiming that such actions set students up for failure and threaten “the gate-keeping function of [the school’s] profession.” Students reacted to these letters with a rally, sit-in and march, but an Aug. 23 Boston Globe editorial denounced their response, arguing that it shuts down necessary discourse. What do you think of the leaked letters, and do you agree with the students’ response?

Jade Eckels ’18

I think the Smith College School of Social Work controversy is unsurprising in a climate in which affirmative action is being debated in our country´s highest court. While concerns about student performance are legitimate, the racial tint of these faculty complaints is disconcerting. As evidenced by the Abby Fisher v. University of Texas case, Black and Brown students are too often seen as inherently less qualified than their white peers. Fisher in that suit alleged that she was denied entrance to the university because she was white, implying that an undeserving Black or Brown student was wrongfully admitted in her stead. The controversial letters written by Smith faculty certainly contain coded racial language that is reminiscent of the rhetoric surrounding the Fisher case. However, it seems that the letters in question do not represent the stance of the school´s administration and faculty as a whole. That being said, the concerned faculty (whether their concerns are legitimate or not is unclear) and the students have a right to express their opinions but must face the resulting consequences. Ultimately, I hope that Smith, which has an anti-racist history, uses this controversy as an opportunity to continue to work to earn that reputation.

Jade Eckels ’18 is an outreach coordinator for the Women of Color Alliance and a member of the steering committee for the Brandeis Pluralism Alliance. She is also majoring in African and Afro-American Studies.

Shaquan McDowell ’18

The difference in reaction is a product of difference in perspective, and so I understand the rationale behind both positions. Faculty represent a section of the University’s community and professionals in their respective fields, providing insight into how this [change in admissions process] may affect the overall educational outcome for students already in the program, as well as those who may enter. The students’ response to this is exactly what I described: a response. The Boston Globe’s insistence that the student’s protest shuts down necessary discourse operates on the idea that “discourse” must follow a certain framework, which is untrue. The student’s protest, sit-ins, etc. are merely them voicing what they believe and thus demonstrates that they disagree with the letters from the administration; to them the administrative process is unfair and faulty and needs to be changed. These two differences in opinions showcase a need for further conversation within the Smith College community, as to how to go about finding resolve. To say one side is wrong for their difference in opinion would be irresponsible. Instead, what I will criticize is the lack of transparency from the faculty (as the letters were leaked and not openly shared), for in order for this conversation to proceed honestly and for a community to make effective change together, all must be included in the dialogue openly.

Shaquan McDowell ’18 is the co-president and co-founder of the Purple Party.