#NOTAGAINSU
The #NotAgainSU movement has been transformative. Bringing so much of the student body together, we inspired the support of alumni, faculty, and presidential candidates. The masses came to support as we organized, protected, and supported ourselves against a string of hate crimes and an administration that was remarkably complicit. Students responded to the crisis by coming together in solidarity. The student body rose up against the toxic climate, which peaked at the point of campus-wide terror. The demands of the #NotAgainSU movement were very clear. The chancellor signed 16/19 of these student demands, supposedly without revision—a significant step to progress and equity on this campus. After five years of persistent issues, despite a complete lack of trust, university leadership verbally and contractually agreed to address the issue. The schools’ public relations and media teams worked very hard to control our narrative. But eventually, our story will leave the mainstream. The momentary fame will pass and all that’s left will be the legacy of what we’ve accomplished. Do not let the administration taint our legacy. This experience should teach us why we must remain diligent in the fight. With or without the support of the administration, we must actively work amongst each other to create safe spaces, equal representation, and positive student experiences for all of us. #NotAgainSU has proved the power of student solidarity. “These last two weeks have been the most supported I have ever felt in this predominantly white institution,” says senior Eduardo Gomez. “We came together as a community to show that our people MATTER and we will not rest until we are RECOGNIZED!” For many students, this time was one of the scariest, most emotionally-taxing, powerful, and riveting moments of their college careers.
Renegade Magazine Fall '19 Issue.indd 16
12/11/19 3:17 PM
