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A S P E L M A N S P O T L I G H T P U B L I C AT I O N Intellectual Framework for the Freethinker
Students Across the Country Protest for Sanctuary Campuses
A Look at What’s Inside:
By: Tyler Stephens Pictured: Students at Emory University petition their school to become a sanctuary campus on Feb. 8. Photo courtesy: Tasnim Shamma, WABE
A New Administration: The 76th Student Government Association p.2 How Students Celebrated Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day p.4 Spelman Student Makes a Choice to Change the World p.4 Unite for Reproductive Justice: A Fight for Human Rights p.5 “A Different World” in 2017 A New Glimpse into HBCUs p.5 A Spotlight on RSOs p.6 Following the installation of President Donald Trump, students across the country have petitioned their colleges and universities to become sanctuary campuses. Trump’s stances on immigration – from the attempted travel ban of seven Middle Eastern countries to potential changes in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy – have caused concern. While there is no legal definition of a sanctuary campus, the term generally means a university or college that protects undocumented immigrant students from federal policies
that threaten deportation. Georgia State Rep. Earl Ehrhart is against sanctuary campuses. On “Fox & Friends,” he described student protestors as “whining, crying students who can’t accept the reality of the laws in this country.” Ehrhart plans to introduce legislation that punishes sanctuary campuses by taking away state funding. “It’s a simple equation: If you don’t follow the law, the state funds are not going to follow you,” he said. The University System of Georgia, which is a governing body that manages public colleges and universities in Georgia, does not support sanctuary campuses. In a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) they said, “We expect our institutions to follow the law and cooperate with all federal and state agencies. As public employees we have a duty to uphold the law.”
Shift in Morehouse Leadership Leads to Questions About the Future of the AUC By: Maya Lewis & Tyler Stephens
On Jan. 13, Morehouse College’s board of trustees voted against renewing President John Silvanus Wilson’s contract. The abrupt decision ends the term of the college’s 11th president. Wilson, class of ‘79, was named president of the college Nov. of 2012. Controversy arose from the decision, as the student and faculty trustees were not permitted in the meeting to end Wilson’s contract. This led to a student protest outside the board meeting, and trustees Moses Washington and Johntavis
March 2017
Williams have filed a lawsuit against board chairman and alumnus Robert Davidson. Some of the problems at Morehouse stem from the board of trustees. The Association of Governing Boards (AGB), a consulting firm that analyzes how colleges and universities are governed, addressed two major flaws of Morehouse. The first is that the board of trustees did not work well with the president. The second is that the board of trustees has too many members and alum, creating difficulty in making decisions and adapting Morehouse to
Some private colleges in Georgia have declared themselves sanctuary campuses, including the liberal arts women’s college Agnes Scott. There are currently 28 sanctuary campuses in the United States. Other colleges are more reluctant to call themselves sanctuary campuses, but plan to work with undocumented immigrants and protect student’s privacy from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE). Emory, a private university,
released in a statement they will not declare themselves a sanctuary campus, but are “working directly with DACA and undocumented students.” On Feb. 1, 2017, President Mary Schmidt Campbell released a letter to the college advocating for students to take action against unjust laws and practices. The letter also said that college faculty and students are not specifically affected by any new immigration policies. No historically black colleges have named themselves sanctuary campuses. On Feb. 13, Howard University students from the group Concerned Students 1867 presented a list of demands to university president Wayne A.I. Frederick, which included naming Howard a sanctuary campus. As the Trump administration implements new policies, institutions will have to begin balancing student concerns and federal laws.
Pictured: Students at Howard University present their demands to university president, Wayne A.I. Frederick. Photo courtesy: Concerned Students 1867
Vol. 4, No. 4
changing times. A key point AGB made is that changing presidents at this time would be bad for the school and lead to instability. On April 2, 2017. Jeh Johnson, Spike Lee and Samuel L. Jackson penned a letter blaming the board of trustees for the “dismal state of affairs.” Jonathan Hill, student government association president, released a letter on April 3, 2017. He called for support from Morehouse as he and faculty worked to address the problems of the board. Faculty also released a statement, expressing a lack of trust in the board due to limited communication and efficiency. Faculty supported keeping Wilson as president. April 7 led to a restructuring of leadership. Davidson stepped down from his position leaving Willie Woods as the new chairman. The board also installed four new officers. Wilson also stepped
down as president, and William (Bill) Taggart became Interim President. During his tenure, Wilson championed efforts for “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) initiatives … and significantly increased the college’s private gifts, grants and contracts,” according to the Office of Strategic Communications. However, tension between alumni, student government and the president’s office led the board to reexamine the terms of Wilson’s contract. As details concerning Morehouse’s future are hazy, the question looming around campus seems to be ‘what’s next?’ Dr. Geneva Baxter, dean of first year studies at Spelman College, urged students not to worry about the future of both schools.
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2 March 2017 www.spelmanblueprint.com
The BluePrint
CURRENT EVENTS A New Administration:
The 76th Student Government Association By: Maya Mitchell
Pictured: Jill Cartwright’s platform, “Paving T.H.E. W.A.Y.”
Jill Cartwright, Class of 2018 SSGA President “Spelman College is a necessary institution for the pursuit of equity and justice in modern society. The unique history and mission of the college sets us apart in our production of global scholars, leaders, artists, and activists.” — Jill Cartwright Jill Cartwright is a junior, chemistry major from Milford, Delaware. Her mission as the 2017-2018 Spelman Student Government Association (SSGA) president is to preserve the unique values that make up the culture and success of the institution, while keeping pace with a rapidly evolving community by creating a space for new traditions. Cartwright’s platform − “Paving T.H.E. W.A.Y.: Tradition, Housing, Empowerment, Wellness, Advocacy and Youth” – supports her belief that Spelman should serve as a beacon for black excellence and unity to empower the disenfranchised members of our local and diasporic community. Cartwright was inspired to run for SSGA president when she realized that her advocacy on campus had reached a level of impact expected of a student leader. “I decided to begin the transition from grassroots student activism to
Tiara Lacey, Class of 2018 SSGA Vice President Tiara Lacey is a junior, biology major on a pre-med track from Columbia, Maryland. Her mission as the 20172018 SSGA vice president is to empower students by promoting financial literacy, personal health, diversity and inclusion. Lacey intends to introduce proposals that would help students learn valuable life
policy implementation. During the course of this past year, I have learned so much about what it means to advocate for a diverse population like Spelman’s student body through my involvement in SSGA,” she explained. Cartwright believes that service without passion is just work. “My love for Spelman continues to be the driving force for all of my service to this institution, and it was the pivotal factor in my decision to run for SSGA president,” she said.
skills, maintain a healthy mind and body and thrive in an inclusive space. “I am working towards a Spelman that has finance booklets and online modules for students interested in managing their money, an increased number of counseling staff for students to turn to and healthier dining options in the cafeteria for us all to enjoy,” Lacey shared. Lacey wants to educate the student body about diversity and inclusion so that all students will feel a sense of belonging. “My platform of empowerment will be highly beneficial for current students, as well as students in the future. With these new ideas,
students will possess a deeper appreciation for themselves, as well as their peers that come from different walks of life,” she explained.
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CURRENT EVENTS A New Administration:
The 76th Student Government Association
(continued)
Leah Herring, Class of 2019 Secretary of Student Affairs
Bria Paige, Class of 2019 Secretary of Academic Affairs
Major: Political Science Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Major: English Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
Kendra Brown, Class of 2019 Secretary of Business and Finance
Alexis Gilmer, Class of 2019 Secretary of Institutional Advancement
Major: Economics Hometown: Norfolk, VA
Major: Psychology Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, California
Cynthia Ziwawo, Class of 2019 Secretary of Enrollment Management
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CURRENT EVENTS How Students Celebrated Valentine’s and Galentine’s
In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, organizations across the Atlanta University
Center (AUC) hosted events ranging from mocktails to date auctions. The BluePrint
Spelman Student Makes a Choice to Change the World By: Maya Mitchell
character, Lia Lui, is a multi-ethnic 9-yearold girl who travels to every continent, making a new friend at each destination and discovering how similar humans are across the world.
Pictured: The Same Differences, available on KaylasCorner.org
Spelman College senior Kayla Ortiz, a psychology major from Seattle, Washington, recently became a published author with her children’s book,“The Same Differences.” The main
Pictured: Students at the “Cuff Me” auction. Photo courtesy: Joshua Reed, @LifeintheAUC
covered some of this year’s events. Cuff Me: The Ladybuds service organization hosted their annual date auction. The event was held in Sale Hall at Morehouse College. There were two hosts and a DJ that kept the party going throughout the duration of the auction. Ladybuds raised roughly $2300, towards charity. Black Love Affair: On Valentine’s Day, Spelman College’s Office of Student Life and Engagement hosted a mixer for students to engage in discourse about black love. The Living Learning Center II’s auditorium was transformed into a
sultry lounge. There was a live DJ and a spoken word piece by Spelman student, Maya Lawrence. Miah Clift, a sophomore at Spelman, stated, “This [event] was a great way to spend Valentine’s Day outside my dorm, and it was free.” Guided Painting and Mocktails: Before Valentine’s weekend, AUC Poetic Justice hosted a guided painting session - think sip and stroke - in the Kilgore Student Center at Morehouse College. Proceeds and feminine hygiene donations raised at the event went to charity.
Ortiz was inspired to write “The Same Differences” after an experience abroad. “I went to Uganda [in 2012] with a group of other missionaries to set up free medical clinics, and to treat individuals in impoverished areas.” Ortiz served in various areas in Uganda, including Lwaji Island. “This beautiful island didn’t have much; it simply had a school, a church and an orphanage, which were all built by missionaries who had come before us. There was no plumbing and no electricity,” Ortiz shared. While there, Ortiz had the opportunity to meet orphans on the island and others who travelled for treatment. “At first, it was difficult understanding each other, but after a while, I noticed us laughing at the same things and responding to body language and gestures in the same way. By the end of our stay, we had turned from strangers to friends, and from friends to family. I left realizing that although we each have our differences, we are all human, and we are very much the same,” said Ortiz. Ortiz was also inspired to start the non-profit organization, Kayla’s Corner. This organization provides underprivileged students with educational resources, and established a library for orphans on Lwaji Island.
Along with writing a book, Ortiz holds three club executive board positions, works two jobs and is graduating cum laude a year early. Ortiz’s book is now available for purchase on KaylasCorner.org and select bookstores. 10% of the proceeds will go towards her organization.
Pictured: Kayla Ortiz, a psychology major from Seattle, Washington
Pictured: Miss Maroon and White, Jasmine Mitchell, at the “Cuff Me” auction Photo courtesy: Joshua Reed, @LifeintheAUC
By: Maya Lewis
The BluePrint
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CURRENT EVENTS Unite for Reproductive Justice: A Fight for Human Rights
Pictured: Students attend U.R.G.E.’s reproductive justice training. Photo courtesy: Monica Gordon
By: Tyler Stephens
On Feb. 13 the Spelman College chapter of Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (U.R.G.E.) hosted a reproductive justice training. The training was led by Justina Trim, a representative from the Atlanta chapter of
SisterSong: Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. “There is no movement as intersecting as reproductive rights … reproductive justice exemplifies a free life,” said Trim.
Reproductive justice encompasses reproductive health, which is focused on providing health services to women; along with reproductive rights, which is fighting for legal rights and conditions related to reproductive health.
One of the pillars of reproductive justice is access to healthy living and the ability to raise your children in a safe environment — a pillar that covers issues ranging from environmental justice to police brutality. Thus, part of reproductive justice is analyzing power systems, addressing intersectional oppressions, centering concerns of the marginalized and working with different groups to achieve justice. During the session, students learned about current laws that limit reproductive rights. Georgia recently passed Senate Bill 308, which gives over a million dollars in funding to Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs). These centers are largely run by anti-choice groups and have few medical professionals on staff. The bill will limit funding for centers that provide abortion services. Miah Hardy, director of Spelman College’s U.R.G.E. chapter, believes it’s important for “black women – and black people period – to understand what reproductive justice is … means … and looks like.” Follow @spelmanurge on Instagram to learn of upcoming events and visit sistersong.net to learn more about reproductive justice.
ARTS & Entertainment Shift in Morehouse Leadership Leads to Questions About the Future of the AUC (continued)
“A Different World” in 2017 A New Glimpse into HBCUs
Pictured: The new BET series, “The QUAD,” was filmed at Morehouse College.
By: Anu Adebowale & Melody Greene
Though “pride, tradition and excellence” is creed of the fictional Georgia A&M University, it mirrors the principles of many historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). “The QUAD,” a new drama series that depicts life at a fictional Georgia HBCU, premiered Feb.1 on Black Entertainment
Television (BET). “The QUAD” portrays HBCU life through the eyes of the new president, played by Anika Noni Rose, and three college freshmen. “The QUAD” was filmed on Morehouse College’s campus. Some students acted as dancers for the
...continued from page 1 “Because Morehouse is a strong institution, I don’t think it’s going to impact our campus … we have a relatively new person at Spelman, a relatively new person at Clark Atlanta, so there’s not that institutional memory. I think that’s the only marching band or were extras in various scenes. While the show spotlights a HBCU, it does not shy away from addressing what an institution may face: hazing, patriarchy within the school institution and rape culture. “I really enjoyed the drama of the show, but in my opinion they didn’t really emphasize how much tradition and greatness [HBCUs] encompass. It
effect [this transition will have].” Currently, a new president for Morehouse has not been named. It is too soon to hypothesize what the new leadership will bring to Morehouse College or how it will impact the relationships throughout the Atlanta University Consortium (AUC). focused more on the president coming from a predominately white institution and having to fit [in] an all-black world. Yet, it left out … black excellence in the classroom [and] … the values [on] which schools like Georgia A&M were founded,” said Makailah Pempleston, a first year student at Spelman College. “The QUAD” airs on Wednesdays at 10P/9C on BET.
6 March 2017 www.spelmanblueprint.com
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CURRENT EVENTS Spotlight on RSOs By: Tyler Stephens Photos: Peyton Hawkins
Registered student organizations (RSO) add something special to the Spelman College experience. With over fifty registered organizations, RSOs provide spaces for students to foster ideas and pursue their interests. From hair care clubs to service organizatiaons, there’s something for everyone. Below are a few of the organizations at the RSO Fair on Feb. 8.
Zeta Phi Beta
tion for unity Founda
Comm
TeenAng e
Sorority Inc.,
pter
Beta Iota Cha
ls Socie
teracy Financial Li
ty
Spelman Naturals
g it Real through Service
SKIRTS- Sisters Keepin
Slow Food
Miss Spelman
and Her Court
ors Program
ll Githii Hon
Ethel Wadde m
richment Progra
-School Math En MASTERS After
Delta Sigma Theta So
rority Inc., Etta Kappa
Happiness AU
C
” Mu Pi Chapter ha Sorority Inc., “Sweet
Chapter
Alpha Kappa Alp
Adele’s Literacy Library Ambassadors