Petition for Student-Centered Selection of VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Finally some accountability. Students deserve a say in who holds this position.

I really dont see why the admin is so afraid of letting students on the committee. It feels like they just want to control the narrative.

Vice Chair and Spiritual Life Chair of the Seminary Student Council

SPU needs to stop pretending to listen and actually do something for once. Keep pushing.

Alum '14. so proud of everyone for keeping the pressure on the admin. change is long overdue here.

Bi

As an SPU Masters in Teaching student aspiring to be a teacher who is equipped with the tools necessary to teach future generations with cultural competence and an equity pedagogy, I fully expect an institution, who claims to have the means to equip me with such tools, to model their commitment to such teaching by meeting these demands.

University Student

Before signing, I urge you to very thoroughly research the candidate proposed.

Pastor

Dear Justice Coalition (JC), JC Allies, and the greater Seattle Pacific University (SPU) Community - I am incredibly humbled by your love, inspired by your audacious hope, and encouraged by your persistent organizing efforts to elevate the voices of those without privilege, the underprivileged and the grassroots. You all are carrying the torch of a radical intersectional movement and I am honored to be invited to join in this work with you. Reading your letter reminded me of my own journey at SPU; a time during which I grew immensely though said growth was not without immense struggle and pain. I sat in the same seats many of you sit today, learning from a few of the same professors, feeling the same sense of urgency for equity, justice, solidarity, and substantive change. I held the lump in my throat every time I had to represent whole groups of people; every time I advocated to be seen and heard in the fullness of my huemxnity; every time a classmate or professor made an insensitive or ignorant comment; every time I was told my “complaints” of injustice and inequity were unfounded because this is a grace filled Christian university; with every admonishment to wait because change takes time. Twelve years have passed since my freshmen year. Yet students are still demanding the same change for which I asked. Since my graduation from SPU I have spoken at numerous admissions events. I can’t help but feel culpable for the trauma experienced by current and past students. Some of whom have told me, “I attended SPU because of “something” you, Nikkita, said (or did).” For this I must be accountable--both for the things I have done to mislead students and the things I have not done to make SPU a more equitable and accountable place. We are navigating complex nuanced issues that have historical deep roots both in the culture and thinking of the University and (western) higher education generally. Roots which cannot be expunged by the status-quo. “For people do

I stand with you. Thank you.

Proud to stand with you all

Current SPS Student & SPU Undergraduate Alum

Lol

Proud alumni! I am glad that this work has continued on.

Here we go again, demanding things. Not surprised, maybe you guys should stop playing the victim and realize there is no 'institutionalized racism' at SPU. Or better yet realize that this is a private university that you chose to attend, you could have chosen to attend a school that supports your victim mentality. Also, pretty sure us minorities get more financial aid based solely on our skin color, isn't that privilege? oh wait, what do I know, Im just a cisgender male

go team!

Seminary Student, SPS. I stand with the Justice Coalition and this community.

I stand with ya'll.