ABUSUA
Questions Goldsmith
To
the Editors:
We, the Executive Council of Abusua, Oberlins Black Student
Organization wish to express our concern regarding Peter Goldsmith
and his interactions with people of color communities. Prior to
Peter Goldsmith commencing his position as a Dean of Students, a
protest was held about his appointment because of the lack of majority
student approval. Students questioned his interest and intentions
in respect to people of color communities. Upon arriving at Oberlin,
Mr. Goldsmith adamantly advocated the implementation of themed
housing over the established program house system already
in tact. It appeared that Mr. Goldsmith did not heavily consider
the need for program houses as expressed by a number of students
and faculty, particularly those of color and those who benefited
from their existence.
Program Houses are central to cultural and social programming that
focus on people of color on this campus. Whether coincidentally
or implicitly, the reality is that offices related to student life
such as Residential Life and Services and the Multicultural Resource
Center, over which Mr. Goldsmith presides, have faced major cutbacks
over the past few years. Many would also argue that since his tenure
commenced, the quality of these offices has declined.
As a College that has a legacy of greatly acting upon the needs
and interests of the students, it only seems rational that an administrator
of such power would ground his actions and decisions in student
interests. As a pluralistic community, we desire a Dean of Student
Life and Services who truly understands how to build and maintain
a community that welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives and
backgrounds. We would also advocate for a dean that is willing to
work with students, faculty, and other community members on the
improvement of student life. Student life is greatly enhanced by
diversity and activities and organizations that promote cultural
understanding, and if Oberlin maintains an administration that operates
contrary to this, we run the risk of compromising the unique community
that Oberlin prides itself in being. As the Executive Council of
one of the many student groups on campus, we are simply expressing
a concern of our membership and that the impact of Mr. Goldsmith
be closely evaluated to insure that the needs of the students are
his primary focus.
Dominique
Atchison
College senior
Khalil House
College senior
James Anderson
College sophomore
Michael Singleton
College sophomore
Treva Lindsey
College sophomore
Terrance Woodson
College first-year
Executive Council of ABUSUA
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