UIC stands with #ConcernedStudent1950 and Mizzou

UIC students and employees stood in support and solidarity with Mizzou during a demonstration Nov. 12. Photo: Timothy Nguyen

The extensive racial tension that occurred at the University of Missouri, which called for students to take action for reform, has been the topic of discussion and controversy recently.

This resulted in a number of universities, including UIC, gathering in support of their peers in Missouri. Amidst the crisis, it’s important for the diverse students of UIC to be aware of accessible outlets for voicing concerns and advocacies.

For context, the students of Mizzou reacted to weak administration care towards incidents of discrimination on campus, which has been expanding over the years.

I stand with the students of Mizzou, because every student is entitled to a proper, equal and appropriate education, among other societal attributes. As these racial tensions transform into greater societal issues, school should be the main center of solidarity, especially for minorities.

More and more students are speaking out on issues of respectability in classrooms, racist fraternity parties, and lack of reaction from administration and these issues are spanning across the country. As a UIC student, it’s important for me to know there are places for activism on campus.

If you’d like to stand in solidarity with Mizzou and rising racial tensions, as some of our students have already began to do, UIC houses the Black Student Union, among many other diverse groups, available for students interested in discussing issues, gaining awareness and bringing forth reforms involving race. Groups like BSU are important for relieving any concerns or complaints about discrimination on campus. Please keep in mind that allies are always welcome. As we’ve seen, true power comes in unison from all backgrounds.

“As members, there are many benefits, most of which are priceless; meeting new people, opening new doors and becoming a more active member of your community are only what can be seen on the surface. We encourage you to attend our meetings and our events,” their Facebook page states (Instagram: @UIC_BSU)

Another intercultural hub at UIC is the African American Cultural Center, which holds socially informative meetings, offers academic resources for students and serves as an influence for solutions regarding racial discrimination. AACC, among other centers like the Disability Resource Center, Latino Cultural Center, Asian American Resource and Cultural Center, Women’s Leadership and Resource Center, and Gender and Sexuality Center, are perfect on-campus groups for developing a sense of community and unison. AACC is located at the second floor of Addams Hall.

UIC students and employees participated in a demonstration Nov. 12, standing in support and solidarity with Mizzou. As you take your daily walks to class in the quad, you may notice #BLACKLIVESMATTER, #WEAREMIZZOU and #FREEPALESTINE written on the ground in chalk. It’s a beautiful thing to see and be a part of when different cultures stand behind each other to end racism and discrimination, especially on university campuses.

You can reach out to any trusted instructor, resident adviser or academic adviser in regard to any misconduct and mistreatment, as they are here to enhance and ensure the safety of our learning environment.

As social media has become a viable resource for spreading awareness, it was disheartening to read through the stories on the #BlackOnCampus hashtag on Twitter. I believe our university is rich in it’s variety and I hope to assure the health of our environment.

Bernie Williams is a junior majoring in English with a concentration in media, cultural and rhetoric studies. She hopes to practice and master an assortment of mediums, including screenwriting, writing for the New York Times, lifestyle blogging, fiction and radio broadcasting. Bernie has a passion for creating and sharing stories. The heightened diversity of the city atmosphere surrounding UIC is perfect for her. Bernie’s side hobbies are indulging in TV shows (specifically Scandal, Girls and Law and Order: SVU), interior design and Instagram.