We, the undersigned, are concerned about the state of diversity in our resident tutor population. It has come to our attention that absolutely none of the hired tutors identify as a racial or sexual minority. We find that this is neither representative of the Harvard graduate student population nor the undergraduate student population. Pforzheimer House is the only Harvard house with an entirely white, heterosexual identifying tutor staff. This situation has lasted for two years. We believe that issues of diversity, identity, race, and sexuality are still salient on campus, in the country, and in the world. As such, we worry that the weight of these issues are not being considered in the tutor hiring process. Given the very recent ABHW-BMF challenge fiasco on our own Quad lawn, it is particularly troubling that since Victoria Shannon's and David Gray's departure, our house has absolutely no race tutors of color, which the exception of Huong, who has also recently left. Accordingly, we would like to begin a movement to ensure that future Pfoho residents benefit from a more diverse tutor population that they feel represents them and their interests. We, as a house, need a more transparent and democratic tutor hiring process that actively seeks to encourage in-house diversity and student participation. An open, democratic process is the only mechanism we as students have for ensuring that all of our voices are being heard throughout time. Though we are worried about the dearth of diversity within the residential tutor population, we would like to fully clarify that the purpose of this petition is not to express outrage at the quality of current tutors in the house. Let us not forget the following recent occurrences: http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/08/black_students.html http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspxref=510730 Thank you and we look forward to opening a house-wide dialogue.

Sponsor

Links