Sitting in, fighting is what SU taught us to do

Dear Editor,

This morning I put on my Syracuse University sweatshirt and immediately reconsidered my decision. Is now a good time to represent my alma mater? National news outlets have headlines discussing the numerous racist and anti-Semitic crimes that have occurred on campus. I’m disgusted and appalled by the events.

With caution, I kept the shirt on because the protests on campus epitomize the student body I envision when I think of my time at SU. SU students sitting in the Barnes Center embody “scholarship in action” and are using their education to clearly articulate legislation for administration to implement. The protests represent an understanding of injustice and action to make change. Since the administration has lacked due process in holding students accountable, our students empowered themselves to take a stand.

This is the Syracuse I believe in. As a concerned alumna, I’m not proud these events took place, but I’m impressed by the student response. This is not our university’s finest hour, but Orange nation is in good hands. Keep sitting in, keep fighting, because that’s what SU taught us to do.

Sincerely,

Laura Singer

College of Arts and Sciences ’16