Volume XVIII - Issue Five

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20 November, 2014

thescrippsvoice.com

The Scripps Voice

since 1996

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scripps college president lori bettison-varga talks potential trans Admissions policy changes By Lucy Altman-Newell ‘17 Editor-in-Chief

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n Thursday, Nov. 13, President Lori Bettison-Varga sent out an email to the Scripps College community stating that “the senior team has developed the following recommendations [regarding transgender admissions at Scripps College] to the Board of Trustees for consideration at its December meeting: Effective for the class enrolling in Fall 2016, Scripps College will: • Consider applicants assigned female at birth and/or who selfidentify as a woman at the time of application; • Continue the practice of not requiring government issued documentation for gender identity purposes; • And continue to award a Scripps degree to any student who completes the baccalaureate requirements, regardless of gender identity or expression.” This email came as a result of the Board of Trustee’s indication “that the insights and perspectives provided to them in October have accelerated their readiness to discuss updates to the College admission policy.”

President Lori Bettison-Varga. Photo courtsey of Scripps College.

The Scripps Voice corresponded with President BettisonVarga to discuss transgender admission at Scripps, the recent recommendations, and the steps moving forward: TSV: What were the main

“I am very proud of our students’ vocal and visible portrayal of the Scripps values of social justice and equity” President Lori Bettison-Varga

Jewish Dialogue Group on Campus explores jewish identity at scripps By Sophie Fahey ‘17 Staff Writer

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ebecca Millberg ‘17 is starting a Jewish Dialogue Group through Scripps Communities of Resources and Empowerment (SCORE) that will begin meeting regularly next semester. The group will provide “space for any student who currently identifies as Jewish or has identified as Jewish in the past to explore their Jewish identity and how it shapes their experience at Scripps,” Millberg says. According to Millberg, ten percent of the 5C student body identify as Jewish, but many of these students

Inside This Issue:

influences for discussing transgender admissions at Scripps College? LBV: These discussions started last year as part of a broader conversation about how we might nurture a climate of inclusion and

do not engage in any Jewish life on campus. “There is not a single organization on any of the campuses that fosters exploration of Jewish identity rather than simply Jewish ritual practice,” Millberg said, which is one of the reasons she believes many Jewish students do not partake in the Jewish life at the 5Cs. She hopes to create a community and network of Jewish students on campus. Millberg has both attended and acted as a counselor at a Jewish summer camp, and has gone through a Sustained Dialogues Inclusive Leadership workshop here at Scripps. “I feel prepared to start a conversation with other Jewish

Page 3 - News

Pope Francis sparks reform from within the Vatican

students about our experiences and identities,” Millberg said. “I want to create a space where Jewish students can have dialogues about difficult and important issues, such as what it means to be a Jew in college, how individuals relate to their Judaism differently and how Judaism intersects with race, class, gender, sexuality, ability and other identities, all while looking at our experiences through a social justice lens. These dialogues will allow group members to not only better understand their own experiences but also understand and relate to others’ experiences... Historically and in the present, Jews have been and still are marginalized and victims of hatred and anti-Semitism.” Millberg says that there have been anti-Semitic bias-related incidents (such as mezuzas being torn off of dorm room doors) during her time at Scripps, and in addition to these

Page 5 - Sports

Meet Rosie Kepple ‘18 of the CMS Women’s Golf team

1030 Columbia Avenue | Claremont, CA 91711 | Box 744 email: scrippsvoice@gmail.com | Volume XVIII | Issue Five

build capacity to have dialogue across differences. Last year, with the arrival of Denise Nelson Nash, Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, we began formulating a roadmap as a followon to the adoption of the diversity and inclusivity strategic plan that was spearheaded by Dean Amy Marcus-Newhall. As part of the execution of the [I.D.E.A.] Initiative, a series of workshops and trainings were offered for students and staff on breaking down the binary and transallyship. Over the summer, more than fifty per cent of the staff participated in trainings and workshops led by Antoinette Myers ’12 and SCORE professional staff. Concurrently, the trustees formed an ad hoc committee on diversity and inclusion while robust conversations continued on campus. All of these activities heightened awareness of and support for a more inclusive admission policy. TSV: What are the steps going forward that would turn this recommendation into policy? LBV: The Board will consider the recommendation at its December meeting. TSV: What does the timeline for

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incidents, Millberg says that at times when she has felt marginalized it has been a challenge to find “a truly stong Jewish community” at the 5Cs. Jewish students face everyday marginalization such as the lack of Kosher food at any of the 5C dining halls and the fact that some Jewish students have to miss class for Jewish holidays. She hopes to raise awareness on campus about the marginalization of Jewish students and to create that community. “In order to create a truly strong Jewish community on campus, it is crucial that Jewish students at Scripps first explore their identities.” Millberg said. There was an informal meeting held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, but regular meetings will not begin until next semester. Millberg encourages anyone interested in this group to email her for more information at RMillber5497@scrippscollege.edu.

Page 10 - Op Ed

We’ve got a Blank Space, baby, and we’ll write your name


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