A group of about 20 to 30 students met with President DeGioia Friday morning about changing the name of Mulledy Hall, within an hour of beginning a sit-in outside his office. No public statements were made, and sitters declined to comment.
A crowd of 20 to 35 students covered most of the landing area between President DeGioia’s office and the Philodemic Room, fluctuating since they arrived at 9 a.m. They intend to remain outside the office until midnight, according to posts on the event’s Facebook page by organizer Crystal Walker (SFS ‘16).
As reported by mic.com, Walker said that DeGioia has informed the Working Group on Slavery, Memory, and Reconciliation that “he will take action on whatever they decide,” in regards to Mulledy Hall’s name.
In an interview with Mic, organizer Queen Adesuyi (COL ‘16) said that “People are acting like we can’t change the name and have a discussion about slavery at the same time.”
Thursday night, students of color at the Georgetown University Law Center also gathered to make a statement in solidarity, posting on social media that “as collegians, students of color, allies, and believers in justice, we are obliged to expose systemic oppression and racial tensions as they arise on our campuses.”
Much of the event so far has been organized on social media, including Thursday’s demonstration and scheduling shifts for the sit-in. Starting Wednesday afternoon, students and alumni on campus and across the country began posting messages on Facebook in support of the student protesters at Yale University and University of Missouri, using the hashtags #ConcernedStudent1950 and #InSolidarityWithMizzou.
Earlier today, leaders of Georgetown’s ministries sent a “A Pastoral Letter to the Georgetown Community,” writing that “on our own campus, students have struggled with insensitivity and racial intolerance, and shared these experiences at recent demonstrations, including last night in Red Square.” The email, which was signed by Vice President for Mission and Ministry Rev. Kevin O’Brien, as well as Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox chaplains and the Directors of Muslim and Jewish Life, called for students to pray for peace and justice.
DeGioia called for the advisory group to meet on Friday at 12:30 p.m., and Walker told Mic she hoped to reach a decision during the meeting.
This story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.
well done Liz.