Protect identity-based centers
In 2007 at the University of Cincinnati, a coalition emerged to defend the independence of the African American Cultural Research Center and demand an autonomous LGBTQ center. As non-majority students, expert staff who were dedicated to these constituencies were instrumental in our academic, social and leadership development.
Our coalition was an evolution of multigenerational efforts to make campus bearable for Black, queer and other oppressed folks. Consequently, we won autonomous AACRC and LGBTQ centers.
Almost two decades later, I would not have anticipated the authoritarian state and federal government obliterating our programs.
State-wise, Senate Bill 1 is a weaponized policy designed to reinforce White supremacist, Christian, patriarchal order both in curriculum and cultural practice throughout education. This legislation is also an attempt to erase the political organizing that made these programs possible. State and federal officials are attempting to demobilize students, staff and communities across higher education because these diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, belonging and liberation initiatives are inherently counter-hegemonic.
As administrations across Ohio like my alma mater begin cowering to tyrants, consider this a reminder that identity-based centers should be defended. They are literal examples of demands met, thanks to ongoing protest movements and organizing by students, faculty and community.
It’s crucial that we do not allow whitewashing and attempted erasure of these spaces to silence us into compliance. In fact, we must double down on the traditions of organizing against those who suppress, to expand counter education and bridge organizing alongside working-class communities to combat fascism both on and off campus.
Christina Brown, Columbus
Columbus cannot let antisemitism persist
Regarding “Slaughter of festivalgoers a reminder of why we must unite. Columbus not exempt” (July 5): I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Stephanie Hightower for her support of the Jewish community in her recent op-ed piece.
As antisemitism continues to rise in Columbus and across our nation, allyship is more important than ever to building a just and inclusive society. Condemning antisemitism is not a political issue and shouldn’t just be a Jewish concern — we all have a responsibility to make sure everyone feels safe in our community.
JewishColumbus allocated $5 million this year to secure and protect our Jewish community, and we recognize the important work of our partners and law enforcement to bolster these efforts.
Real change is a community-wide effort and commitment, and we call on our allies and local leaders to take a clear stand against rising hate. We cannot let this discrimination persist. This change must start with improved antisemitism education in government, education, interfaith, civic and business sectors.
We encourage anyone interested in learning more about how to get involved to reach out to the JewishColumbus team.
Jonathan Feibel, Board Chair of JewishColumbus
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Colleges, universities across Ohio are cowering to tyrants | Letters
Reporting by Letters to the Editor / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
