This poem is in response to my removal from Witte Residence Hall. I was removed because of an investigative process in which University Housing is diving into how and why I make white students and students who have white friends uncomfortable. However, is it truly discomfort for their safety or discomfort because I actively work to ensure the safety and comfort of students of color, first. In other words, I hold white students accountable and ask them to educate themselves and check their privilege on a floor that upholds multiculturalism and social justice themes and values. My removal has resulted in irreparable trauma. Not only inflicted on myself, but students of color who I have had the honor of building relationships with, regardless of their involvement on the MLC.
If the shoe fits…
You claim to support students of color
Yet you push us out.
You take away our funds.
Take away our resources.
You claim to support students of color.
You claim to strive for respect and care.
Yet you ignore our voices.
You say our concerns are in your ears,
Only to speak without action.
You claim to strive for respect and care.
You claim diversity and inclusion.
Yet you prioritize the majority’s feelings and needs.
You hold listening sessions, asking for solutions.
Tasking students of color to educate, and all of the in between.
You claim diversity and inclusion.
When will you learn?
That students of color are not for your exploitation.
Your tokenism.
Your funding.
When will you learn?
You have never cared for students of color.
Otherwise it would be impact over intent.
It would be reparations instead of remedies.
Actions instead of words.
You have never cared for students of color.
You claim you strive to do better.
But saying it
And doing better
Are two different things.
So when will you learn?
Words will only pacify for so long.
Claims will only be listened to for so long.
But when your actions do not align
When will you learn,
To admit you are in the wrong?
Chuefeng is a junior studying Community and Nonprofit Leadership. What are your thoughts on the housing investigation regarding the MLC? Send all thoughts to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
