SPOKANE, Wash. — Students at Gonzaga University rallied Monday demanding accountability after members of the Black Student Union say they faced racial harassment following a campus event in February.
The Black Student Union had organized a Harlem Renaissance-themed dinner on campus honoring the success of Black individuals. After the event ended, BSU members said they were subjected to racist comments from other students who portrayed them as “violent,” and one board member had an item stolen.
Kairo Simmons, a BSU member, described the impact of the harassment on students’ sense of safety.
“Like that puts us in a position to be harmed by other students in the university,” Simmons said.
Following the February incident, Gonzaga University met with the BSU board and sent a statement via email to students and staff. The university emphasized its commitment to community care, stating: “Being a Zag means being called into a community of care for one another. Gonzaga’s Catholic, Jesuit and humanistic mission asks us to care for the dignity of others and to cultivate inclusion and belonging.”
However, some students argue the university’s response has been insufficient.
Brett Blascziek, a member of a student activist group, called “Do Better Gonzaga”, criticized the university’s handling of the situation.
“The university made like a covering statement but took no steps of accountability to make an investigation with those students who, perpetrated those acts of racism,” Blascziek said.
In response to the BSU concerns, Gonzaga created a ‘task force charge’ comprised of university representatives across different departments who will provide “immediate and ongoing care, communication, and safety support to students impacted by racial harm”.
Protesters also brought up other issues like demanding Gonzaga divest from companies tied to fossil fuels and weapon manufacturers.
Following Monday’s protest, Gonzaga released an additional statement reaffirming its values:
Gonzaga is committed to the dignity of every person and to fostering a learning environment rooted in respect, care, and accountability. When the University received reports of racist incidents directed toward Gonzaga students, President Katia Passerini established a Task Force on Accompaniment, Safety, and Belonging. Gonzaga condemns racism in all forms and believes racism is antithetical to Gonzaga’s Mission as a Catholic, Jesuit, humanistic institution of higher learning where all are welcomed, respected and valued.While the appropriate campus offices investigate specific incidents according to University policy, the Task Force is examining the campus climate more broadly — assessing institutional practices, engaging Gonzaga community members and outside organizations, and recommending actions to strengthen accountability, safety and inclusion across the University.
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