Let’s Take Accountability… and Denounce Casual Misogynoir

Hello, this is my response to several articles that have gone out within the past weeks in regard to resignation and displeasure with Senate, as Student Body President. First I will comment on claims made towards me, then take accountability. First of all, unfortunately, many of the claims made in the recent resignation letter of a senator were false. Let me start by saying that I’ve never said I “don’t like being friends with POC,” and that doesn’t really need much elaboration. Also, no members of Senate have ever refused to give other members time off for mental health reasons; in fact, that’s something I emphasize both in the onboarding and orientation processes. I have taken actions in response to harmful behavior exhibited on Senate, such as misogynoir targeted towards me, including being told I’d be interrupted “if I said something that wasn’t important,” and being called intimidating, to name a couple. Following these incidents, I took necessary steps because I do not tolerate misogynistic or microaggressive behavior in Senate, in an attempt to receive external support in navigating harm. This was unfortunately received as targeted punishment. 

Now, I will take accountability. It’s unfortunate to read about poor experiences on Senate. I had never heard that anyone was having poor experiences until these articles had come out, yet I respect their right to share them. I’ve been committed, my whole presidency, to the support of senators, and will continue to do so. It means a lot to me that as a Black woman, I’m given the space to represent people like me, make change on a wide scale, and work as a team on Senate with like-minded individuals. I want everyone to feel listened to, supported and like Senate is a fruitful experience. I'm learning and taking actions that will, hopefully, eliminate departures such as these in the future. All members have contributed so many positive opinions, ideas and energy, and I am grateful to have had the chance to work with everyone on our team. Yet, I will always stand up for myself, especially in the face of lies and misogyny. My predecessor experienced this as well, and it's unfortunately a common experience for Black fems in “powerful” positions at Reed, to which I will not fall victim to, and not refuse to denounce. I reallywant to continue this conversation inside of Senate as opposed to through the Quest, but I feel as though it is my right to clarify claims about me that have been false.