Three-hundred-and-thirty-four students have signed a letter to the Presidential Search Committee calling for members to prioritize finding a new university president committed to diversity issues.
The letter, written by senior Lucy McKeon, also calls for the committee to emphasize searching for candidates "who also identify themselves with one or more marginalized groups."
McKeon explained that she wrote the letter because she was unable to attend the open forums hosted by the committee on the Medford/Somerville campus.
"I couldn't attend any of those, but I definitely have opinions on what types of change I would love to see at Tufts, and I know a lot of students who have similar opinions, so in writing a letter, I wanted to give voice to students that I knew felt similarly," she said.
McKeon further explained what she meant by a commitment to diversity issues.
"A commitment to diversity, not solely as a filling of university administrative positions with an array of representative figures, but a dedication to changing the actual systems of power in institutions like Tufts … I want a president with a social justice agenda to address disparities that arise in institutionalized hierarchies of power," she said.
McKeon added that she wanted to have a president who would promote a supportive environment for students.
"Most importantly, having a president that sets the tone to foster a climate where all students feel accepted and safe," she said. "Where a bias incident occurs on campus, we want all students to feel supported and represented."
Senior Jenny Lau, who joined McKeon in this effort, explained the reasons behind calling for a president from a marginalized background.
"I have met people in the dominant category who have thought to learn more about how marginalized groups are oppressed, but … it may be helpful to actually have someone who's had those experiences … of being marginalized to make decision and policies," Lau said.
Lau noted that diversity should be a priority because of the role of the university.
"[The university] is supposed to prepare us for real life … and seeing that the United States is an increasingly diverse place … it would make sense that leadership within this university sees it as a reality and makes it a priority," Lau said.
McKeon noted the prevalence of bias-related incidents on campus.
"Incidents have been happening at least once a semester … As a student I feel there could be more preventative measures, and if the next president were committed to these issues … it would set the tone for students to follow suit."
