Alumna Describes Role at Department of Education

Continued from page 4 continue to work towards student diversity, Elliott explained that the college would have to make changes if the court overturns precedent.

“The Board of Trustees very clearly stated that [it] is committed to aggressively working to ensure that we continue to have a richly diverse student body. We do have to follow the law,” Elliott said.

Alongside their discussion on education, as alumni, both Lhamon and Elliott reflected on how their times at Amherst affected their trajectories in life, with Lhamon pointing to their own intersecting experience as fellow editors on the Student as a key influence.

“The ways that you led us to dissent and to come to what consensus we could, and to then present positions about which we had strong feelings, and sometimes strong different feelings, was very instructive for me,” Lhamon said.

The conversation provided new insights into the Office of Civil Rights’ work for many. Laura Gottesfeld ’23, an attendee of the event, was struck by both the importance of the Office and the challenges they face.

“There seems to be an exploding number of cases,” Gottesfeld said. “But it’s also hopeful that there are people who really care about the job [of] trying to enforce the law.”

Schwimmer noted that seeing the struggles of working in the system while trying to make the best of the circumstances, whether in response to disagreements with possible future Supreme Court rulings or logistical difficulties with case loads, was an important perspective.

“Often in the academy we can be very idealistic and critical,” Schwimmer said. “It’s like, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong — and then seeing someone who’s really trying to make as much positive change as possible inside the system in front of her — it’s important that there’s someone in this role who understands both that it is their job to execute the law but also trying to come up with ways to make sure justice is expansive and broad.”

Despite the challenges Lhamon faces, she is still grateful for the opportunity to do her job.

“It was amazing beyond my wildest dreams and beyond my wildest expectations, in terms of what I can do, in terms of reach,” Lhamon said, responding to a question about her plans after her tenure as Assistant Secretary. “I don’t know what I’ll do after this, because I am living my dream right now.”

Arrington, ] said we shouldn’t have any more people because we would use the money to advance the transgender agenda,” Lhamon said. “So, you know, I don’t think we can see eye to eye.”

The discussion also touched on what civil rights enforcement in education will look like in the future in light of current threats to affirmative action, and Elliott and Lhamon both responded to the possibility of the Supreme Court deeming race-based admissions unconstitutional. Lhamon said that while she would personally disagree with the Supreme Court eroding affirmative action, it would still be her responsibility to enforce it.

“I enforce the law as it is. If, as we predict, the Supreme Court changes the law on affirmative action, I will enforce the law as they prescribe,” Lhamon said.

Elliott explained that Amherst filed a brief with the Supreme Court arguing in favor of affirmative action. While Amherst will continue to work towards student diversity, Elliott explained that the college would have to make changes if the court overturns precedent.

“The Board of Trustees very clearly stated that [it] is committed to aggressively working to ensure that we continue to have a richly diverse student body. We do have to follow the law,” Elliott said.

Alongside their discussion on education, as alumni, both Lhamon and Elliott reflected on how their times at Amherst affected their trajectories in life, with Lhamon pointing to their own intersecting experience as fellow editors on the Student as a key influence.

“The ways that you led us to dissent and to come to what consensus we could, and to then present positions about which we had strong feelings, and so - metimes strong different feelings, was very instructive for me,” Lhamon said.

The conversation provided new insights into the Office of Civil Rights’ work for many.

Laura Gottesfeld ’23, an attendee of the event, was struck by both the importance of the Office and the challenges they face.

“There seems to be an exploding number of cases,” Gottesfeld said. “But it’s also hopeful that there are people who really care about the job [of] trying to enforce the law.”

Schwimmer noted that seeing the struggles of working in the system while trying to make the best of the circumstances, whether in response to disagreements with possible future Supreme Court rulings or logistical difficulties with case loads, was an important perspective.

“Often in the academy we can be very idealistic and critical,” Schwimmer said. “It’s like, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong — and then seeing someone who’s really trying to make as much positive change as possible inside the system in front of her — it’s important that there’s someone in this role who understands both that it is their job to execute the law but also trying to come up with ways to make sure justice is expansive and broad.”

Despite the challenges Lhamon faces, she is still grateful for the opportunity to do her job.

“It was amazing beyond my wildest dreams and beyond my wildest expectations, in terms of what I can do, in terms of reach,” Lhamon said, responding to a question about her plans after her tenure as Assistant Secretary. “I don’t know what I’ll do after this, because I am living my dream right now.”

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 22 to March 29

The Editorial Board

College Brings Back Five College Film Festival

On Saturday, April 1, the college will be hosting the Five College Film Festival for the first time in four years. The festival, whose mission is to “share the stories of students from across the Five Colleges through the medium of film,” will consist of three programs of curated short films from students across the consortium, with an awards show following the showings.

Advocates for Reproductive Care Host Doula Training

The first of four doula training sessions, hosted by the Advocates for Reproductive Care on campus with funding from the Association of Amherst Students, began on March 25. The sessions, which were open to students, faculty, and staff, provided subsidized attendance for seven students. All those who participate in the full training program will receive official certification as birth doulas.

Morris Pratt Loses SHEP Status

After sustaining continuous exit sign damage and the shattering of a custom-cut window on the night of Saturday, March 25, Morris Pratt will no longer be eligible as a registered party space. In the email announcing the change, Community Development Coordinator Alyssa Carlotto explained that between September and December custodians worked fifty hours cleaning after parties in addition to their regular hours.

“Non-alcohol related programming” will continue in the dorm.

Administration Begins Providing Free Access to Calm App Chief Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Students Angie Tissie-Gassoway announced on March 28 that all students would have access to Calm, a top-rated mental fitness app that features guided meditation sessions, music playlists, sleep stories, and more features designed to lessen stress and improve focus and sleep quality. Both students with and without preexisting accounts with the app will be able to access the service.