Carter Brown’s Post

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Master's Student at New York University

As the Director of Political Action for the New York University Black Student Union, I initiated a pivotal project aimed at capturing the Black experience on campus. With the freedom to operate with minimal oversight from the Black Student Union, I led the Political Action Committee in a year-long investigative journey. Our goal was to listen directly to our community—students, professors, administrators, janitors, cafeteria workers, and security guards—to truly understand and articulate the challenges faced by Black individuals at NYU. Through numerous interviews and community feedback, we identified six critical issues that needed to be addressed to make NYU a more inclusive and representative environment. These were compiled into a comprehensive document with actionable demands presented to the administration: 1. Mirror to the Metropolis: In light of the recent reversal of affirmative action, we demanded that NYU establish new protocols to ensure the continuous admission of students of color, maintaining its commitment to diversity. 2. The DEI Deficit: We challenged NYU's self-image as a diverse institution, pointing out the prevalent campus segregation and calling for genuine efforts to foster cross-cultural connections and substantive inclusivity. 3. Course Correction: We advocated for the expansion of Black studies in the curriculum, particularly at the graduate level, and a reevaluation of the general education courses to include African cultural studies with the importance it deserves. 4. Reimagining Representation: Emphasizing the need for diversity in faculty, not just in DEI and Black studies but across all disciplines including STEM and administration. We urged NYU to proactively recruit Black faculty and create an environment where they would thrive. 5. Envisioning a Haven for Blackness: We proposed the creation of a Black Cultural Center, envisioning it as a multi floor building that would not only serve as a safe space for Black students but for students of various cultural backgrounds to openly practice their traditions. This would enrich the NYU community by fostering cross-cultural interactions through shared events. 6. Expression on Trial: Addressing the selective censorship on campus, especially concerning the Palestine-Israel conflict, we demanded equitable application of NYU’s policies on protests and public expressions, ensuring diversity among the decision-makers regarding disciplinary actions. These demands were not just a list of grievances but a blueprint for progress, aiming to transform NYU into a truly inclusive community where Black students and faculty feel valued and represented. By presenting these demands, we sought to catalyze change and ensure that NYU lives up to its professed values of diversity and inclusion.

Amber Brown

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