The University of Vermont Black Student Union held an open forum on diversity Saturday.
Students and faculty gathered in the Davis Center while the Union went over each of ten demands they would like to see met by University administration. These demands include renaming buildings named after people who are known for injustice and requiring diversity training for professors.
This follows a student rally on Monday surrounding racial equality and social justice issues. On Wednesday, a closed door meeting was held between the Black Student Union, the University President and key administrators.
After demands were listed, the floor was opened up to students to add their point of view on each.
The President of the Black Student Union Harmony Edosomwan said the diversity in the room was one of the most important parts.
“Even white students saying… them standing up and saying I have friends that are going through these same things and these are the reasons the demands need to be met,” Edosomwan said. “It shows that it’s not just a people of color issue, but a community issue overall.”
Many faculty spoke when the forum was over. Some said it was an eye-opening experience. Some even got emotional responding to the demands after hearing student’s thoughts– adding that the professors were able to learn from students Saturday.
