Senator Andrew Sakahara’s Resignation Letter
Editor's note: This resignation letter was read by Senator Andrew Sakahara during his resignation at this week's Senate Public. It is printed below in its entirety.
I’m resigning, effective immediately. Some members might exchange stares, smirks, or smiles at this because it's been months in the making. For months, actions have been taken by an in-group in Senate to further divide the out-group, including to me directly: removing me from [a committee], not allowing mental health breaks, not listening to [requested] accommodations stemming from a lack of diversity, and filing a sexism bias report. While one might wonder what someone would have to do to receive this response, I can tell you I’m not the first. In fact, this is the low end in terms of what people in this body have done to remove others. In my memory, I am the third member of Senate to resign as a result of actions from this in-group[, t]he fourth to receive pressure to resign. It’s not okay. And while this might be social dynamics, I want to point out that this in-group is made up of all white members of Senate and one person of color, one of which has personally stated they don’t like being friends with people of color, and multiple of which I have been warned about by [other people of color regarding their discriminatory behavior. It’s] absolutely unacceptable.
For a while I’ve taken it at the expense of my mental health. But after hearing yesterday that I couldn’t exempt myself from what I felt was a mentally destructive meeting, I realized I couldn’t do it anymore. I went to bed last night under the watch of a friend because I was scared of myself. I’ve held out here because I believe in Reed, and I was willing to help students before myself, but I can't do that until I’m literally bleeding. I’ve been laughed at in meetings, advocated for myself, and been laughed at again. No one should feel that and I think everyone [here] would agree that everyone should be encouraged, not dissuaded[,] from advocating for themselves or others.
Andrew Happy, I’m sure you misheard or misunderstood what was said [the last time I spoke with you], I intentionally left out information to protect your relationship with someone and I want to believe you had good intentions with your actions.
Lucy, I meant what I said when I said I greatly admire your advocacy for yourself and [it is a quality] I hope to gain as I grow up.
Maya, Lina, Yuri, Leila, Jenna, Alyssa, and Jules, don’t take this as an abandonment. I’ve amazingly convinced 5 people to run for Senate because I believe in you all and I still do.
I don’t blame any one person for what has gone on here and I’ll still wave and smile when I see y’all around. I find big systemic issues to be what’s pushed me to this point and the final straw came this morning when I realized [that] me from a year ago believed time was the most precious thing in life and would be disappointed in me for holding a job that turned my time into misery.
I believe in Reed too much to hold bad feelings and I hope this body can succeed more as I depart.
-Andrew Sakahara, Senator
Written 13:25 Monday, 4 November 2024
Delivered 16:37 PM Monday, 4 November 2024
I just wanted to thank all of my friends and fellow students, faculty, and staff who have reached out to me voicing support since Monday. All of your words made me smile so much and are much appreciated and valued. I didn’t write my letter with the intention of causing harm, but purely to voice the reasons I am leaving Senate. Live with love and respect and I’ll see you around.
-A :)