Racism permeates every aspect of our society today, leaving no institution
free from the dehumanizing affects of this social injustice. The hallways
of our sacred academy are not exempt. In fact, institutions of higher education
have been described as the breeding ground for racism, white supremacy and
power imbalance. It is no wonder, then, that ALANA (African, Latino, Asian
and Native American) students are suffering and being demoralized on our
college campuses. Today, we hear of acts of resistance to racism. From the
hunger strike undertaken by the students at Northwestern, the students engaging
the administration through demonstrations and negotiations at Rutgers, to
the young brothers and sisters struggling to keep Affirmative Action in
tact in California all the way to the ALANA students at The University of
Vermont who have taken over the administration building twice in the last
eight years, students are resisting.
The National Coalition of Students Resisting Racism is a national, multiracial
organization of members of the higher education community. Whether a faculty
member, staff person or administrator, we understand that the impetus and
agents for change come directly from the ranks of the student body. There
is an ever-increasing need for college students across the country to be
in communication with each other and support each other with the struggles
that are taking place on campus.
This national coalition was created and started on some basic premises and
beliefs. One thing is certain, this coalition was founded as a result of
the many years of struggle for racial justice and the many courageous students
who stood up to the challenge--some to be beat down, and some to remain
standing.
MISSION STATEMENT
We acknowledge racism to be an ever present force on our college campuses
that is working to destroy education, community and ALANA students.
We acknowledge that racism, race prejudice plus power, dehumanizes and disempowers
ALANA students.
We acknoweledge that racism has a similar impact on white students.
Students are the impetus and agents of change on our college campuses and
if revolutionary change is going to occur to create racial justice and undo
racism, organized college students will be on the front lines and orchestrating
and conceptualizing the revolution.
Student voices must not only be heard, but given the same amount of credibility
and legitimacy as those of professors, administrators and staff members.
Previous efforts under the guise of "diversity" and "multiculturalism"
have not served to create racial justice and undoing racism on our college
campuses. The critical analysis of race, power, privilege, and marginalization
has gone unnoticed, unexplored and unquestioned.
Change must not come at the hands of the oppresor, it must come from the
grassroots.
We acknoweldge that colleges and universities are the training grounds for
future leaders, future parents, future citizens and future employees and
often, the prerequisite for affluence or sustainable life. Because higher
education is such a valuable resource in our society, racial justice and
undoing racism is a national priority.
We must open the doors to the academy to those who would otherwise not consider
higher education.
Students all across the country are struggling to dismantle racism and a
national call must be made to organize students on a national level to provide
support, solidarity and exposure.
STRUCTURE
Because this is a national coalition, central location and organizing is
critical. Therefore, a national Board of Directors shall be formed to serve
as a clearinghouse for information, local and national organizing and central
location for inquiries and activism. The National Board of Directors shall
be comprised of 80% students in colleges and universities:
8 Student Trustees
2 West Coast
2 Midwest
2 New England and East Coast
2 South and South East
2 Staff -- non-voting and full time
Regional Coordinators: will be selected for the 4 regions to maximize organizing
efforts as well as training and educational opportunities. Though the Regional
Coordinators will not serve on the National Board of Directors, they are
a critical link in the information and organizing efforts.
Campus Coordinators: will serve as the front-line information collector
and dissminator for each campus. Campus Coordinators will represent each
campus at Regional and National meetings and conferences.
COMPONENTS OF THE COALITION
*Mobilization and Direct Action*
The most central component of the National Coalition of Students Resisting
Racism is to provide support and resources for students attempting to mobilize
and organize to resist racism on their campus. History of resistance and
struggle illustrates for us the intense need for college and university
students all over the country to join forces, when needed, in a resistance
effort. Because the struggle against racism is happening all over the country,
the time will come when students from all over the country will need to
heed the call and join our Sisters and Brothers in support and solidarity.
*Publications and Communication*
Students in Florida may not be aware of the struggles of students in Washington.
Information flow is a vital component of the National Coalition. The day
must come when students from coast to coast, campus to campus will learn
of activities and protests the day it happens. Moreover, students must be
in communication prior to direct action to gain outside perspective on strategy
and suggested methods of approach. The National Coalition of Students Resisting
Racism will create a Worl Wide Web page for this kind of communication.
Additionally, a bulletin board will be established for quicker and easier
communication.
Research and publications focusing on anti-racism in higher education is
scarce and hard to come by. The National Coalition will have access to Press
resources for students to have access to a wider circle of people through
research, poetry, fiction and all forms of literature. A Quarterly Newsletter
will also be published and made immediately available to all students in
all regions.
*Training and Education*
Continuous training and education for college and university students on
anti-racism is a key component to the National Coalition. When conscious
college and university students have an analysis of the many forms of racism
(institutional, organizational, cultural, educational, individual, economic,
penal and judicial), privilege, their work on their campus will be enhanced.
The National Coalition works in direct concert with principles, analysis,
teaching and organizing strategies that are consistent with The People's
Institute for Survival and Beyond and with Stir Fry Productions. Both organizations
are firmly committed to racial justice and have demonstrated an analysis
of racism that is clear and effective.
*National Coalition Think Tank*
The impetus for creating the National Coalition of Students Resisting Racism
is the need for college students across the country to be in communication
with each other and organize on a national level. The NCSRR will organize
an annual Think Tank that will bring college students from all over the
country to learn from each other, develop leadership and organizing skills
and mobilize, if necessary. Here is a preliminary list of areas the Think
Tank will address through workshops, presentations, and keynote addresses:
White ally training
Coalition building strategies
Leadership development
Communication Network development
Support methods and development
Activism and protest methods
Campus updates
Separate ALANA Caucuses: African, Latino, Asian, Native American
On-Campus status at each site for funding eligibility
Cultural Moments/Sharing
Legal Defense funds and resources
National Contemporary Issues:
* roll back on Affirmative Action
* Financial Aid cutbacks
* Ethnic studies development
We must all answer the question, "How Far Are You Willing to Go?"
If you would like more information regarding the National Coalition of Students
Resisting Racism, contact