Anderson-Merriweather Alumni Society, most notably known as AMAS, was named for Zachariah M. Anderson and Evangeline Harris Merriweather, pioneers whose shoulders all African Americans who have attended Indiana State University stand.
Darrell
Fred
Stephanie
Pamela
Glenn
Richard
Stephanie
Lamont
Denise
Barbara
It was disheartening to observe the stark contrast in the University President’s response to different events, as evidenced by the recent acknowledgment of the Bailey family’s generous donation juxtaposed against the deafening silence following a racially charged incident. While recognizing philanthropic gestures is undoubtedly important, it raises questions about the priorities and sincerity of leadership when faced with critical issues affecting the university community.
The lavish praise for the Bailey family’s contribution paints a picture of a caring institution focused on securing its financial future. Yet, when confronted with the pain and outrage stemming from a hateful social media post targeting African American students, the response falls painfully short. Instead of visible support and active engagement, all that was offered were feeble statements devoid of meaningful action or empathy.
President Curtis’ apparent inability to translate her gift for impactful speeches into actions that genuinely address the
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concerns of African American students is a cause for concern. While her tears may have been genuine during the Bailey family recognition, they serve as a stark reminder of the emotional disconnect between grand gestures of gratitude and the lived
experiences of those who feel neglected and unsupported.
In a time where solidarity and vocal leadership are desperately needed, the President’s silence speaks volumes. It sends a chilling message to African American
students, faculty, staff, alums, and the broader community that their voices and concerns are not worthy of attention or action. It’s a betrayal of trust and a failure of leadership that cannot be excused or ignored.
Since I arrived at Indiana State University in 1963 on a track scholarship, I’ve had the privilege to meet each athletic director. Among them, Sherard Clinkscales truly stood out as a remarkably effective director. It’s a sad situation for Sherard and ISU because his capability as an administrator and his qualities as a person were exceptional. The previous leadership at ISU
cultivated a harmful culture that detrimentally affected not only the university but also the city of Terre Haute. Without a change to a responsive president and board attuned to the needs of ISU, the students, and the community, dysfunction will persist. Astonishingly, ISU is the sole major institution known to have terminated a coach, requiring him to stack tables and perform janitorial duties at Hulman Center to fulfill his football contract rather than the customary practice of contract buyout.
This harmful culture has seeped into every aspect of ISU. It must be acknowledged that while ISU employs some of the world’s finest professors, staffers, and employees, their efforts are stifled by the absence of effective leadership. Commissioner Clinkingbeard is not alone in recognizing the troubling state of affairs at ISU and its board of trustees. Without imminent changes, the downward trend
in enrollment will accelerate, and the issues will deepen. These problems are merely the beginning. Addressing these issues requires an acknowledgment from the university that a problem exists, followed by a concerted effort to resolve these issues internally, utilizing the skilled professionals already present on campus.
The Black faculty, alumni, students, and staff at ISU should be particularly alarmed by the issues impacting African American members of the community. The loss of figures such as the recent athletic director should be a call to action. A failure to investigate and address these issues will hinder our ability to attract competent faculty, students, and staff in the future. Rumors are circulating about who will be the next athletic director, and the current interim boldly suggests that the position should have her originally. Enough is enough. No more.
Fred Draper
Stephanie Phillips
I don’t know what took place, but I want to say this. as a graduate from ISU School of Nursing, I saw first hand several fellow white nursing students show their true colors during my college days at ISU. It wasn’t until a couple of years and the final straw that I went to the Dean and reported what I knew was pure racism, but it fell on deaf ears. Back then I didn’t have a voice but over the years I learned that being silent and just accepting those in power decision is not what I do today. I have fired doctors and banned nurses either when my loved one or myself was being treated less than.
At ISU each nursing student before graduation would attend the nursing pendent ceremony (not sure if they still do this today.) It was at our ceremony, myself, another African American female,
a student from Hati, two students from Africa and one student from Asia were told to line up. Ironically all of the seven students of color were placed at the back of the line which meant we would be seated on the last row and be the last ones to receive our pendents. Initially we didn’t think about it because we were all excited about receiving our nursing pen. It wasn’t until we sat down, we realized we were intentionally put at the back as if we had the lowest GPA.
You see, it was the same three white students who for the past couple of years wouldn’t speak unless we spoke first. There was one particular white student who sat on the penning ceremony committee had come back from spring break downgrading Native American Indians. She had the opportunity to go to an Indian reservation and said they lived like filthy pigs. Her calling them pigs made the other white nursing students laugh. I took this opportunity to enlighten her and the other white students, that those Indians were a part of my bloodline. It was my greatgrandmother who was 100% Creek. I had to educate her that my people were not savages as the text books portrayed them to be. I asked her a simple question, if someone came on your
father”s home and told him to get off his land or die, what would he do? She said protect what was his. I asked her another question, if some came into your house and raped you and your mom, what would your father do? She said, he would kill them. My next question to her, what is the difference between my ancestors protecting what belong to them and killing the men who harmed his family? I said this and then walked away from her. That day and the day of the ceremony It let me know that racism is in the minds of those who take care for our loved ones, and us.
I reported this ugly behavior to the Dean and naturally I had to be mistaken. I told the Dean that I would NOT allow those three students to take care of my dog. I told her those same three students when they became an RN would be the same three who would allow a person of color to remain in pain, or not change them if they soiled themselves. Those same students when they became an RN would take their racist selves and would not care for people of color the same way they cared for whites.
I say all of this because we as people of color put so much trust in the medical field. We
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Stephanie Phillips - Nothing New (contd...)
think being sick would erase racism and that the oath the doctors or nurses take will erase their mindset on how they view us. That pledge they take for so many, doesn’t apply to us. If you think it doesn’t happen, please wake up. If you think racism and age discrimination doesn’t play a part on how you are cared for and what treatment you receive, it’s time to wake up.
Just recently I had to fly back to Terre Haute and demand my uncle receive better care at Union Hospital. I finally had to make a complaint and spoke with the Chief of Staff. Needless to say, I had him moved to Indianapolis, but was faced with the same lack of care and treatment. The takeaway from this is, don’t think everyone from the CNA’, nurses, doctors, to the doctors reading the CT scans etc, care about people of color, especially black people.
I leave you with this food for thought, have you ever wondered why African Americans have the highest rate of disease and the highest death rate? As one Indian doctor, I won’t say his name, told me in the mid nineties, there’s a reason why your people have the highest statistics, it’s because you don’t receive the proper treatment or you receive no treatment He said, “keep going to them and you may become a statistic.”
#EquityHealth #BeAnAdvocate
“I say all of this because we as people of color put so much trust in the medical field. We think being sick would erase racism and that the oath the doctors or nurses take will erase their mindset on how they view us. That pledge they take for so many, doesn’t apply to us. If you think it doesn’t happen, please wake up. If you think racism and age discrimination doesn’t play a part on how you are cared for and what treatment you receive, it’s time to wake up.”
Pamela Cox Starks
AKA’s
support Undergrads stance against racism, prejudice, harassment and all things contributing to a toxic and unwelcoming environment. We unite!!!
- Pamela Cox Starks
Dear President Curtis,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address the recent crisis at Indiana State University (ISU) and express my deep concerns regarding the response to the allegations. Leadership is about action, not just your position. During my time at the US Army War College, I conducted research on the core competencies of strategic leaders in the 21st century. Effective communication emerged as a crucial element for success at the strategic level. However, the statement you issued on April 10, 2024, lacks accountability and an Action Plan, violating the tenet of effective communication.
It is imperative that you demonstrate that this crisis is your number one priority and take immediate action with transparency. All alumni, regardless of minority status, and current students demand a thorough investigation, a report within 10 days, and disciplinary actions if the allegations are confirmed.
In my opinion, the responses from ISU should largely be dismissed as mere media talking points and a regurgitation of stated policy. It lacks empathy for the challenges minority students face and fails to ensure the safety of all students. The alleged racist and hatefilled speech by ISU student Asa Blanton is endemic of a greater problem across America where minority students on Predominantly White Institutions (PWI) are often trivialized and under-appreciated for the enrichment they provide and must be addressed promptly to prevent further division, tensions, and ensure the safety of all students.
The Divine Nine Greek organizations at ISU are currently in the process of raising $250,000 to assist in the building of a monument you approved. This
monument serves to highlight the historic and monumental accomplishments achieved as students and in their professional careers. To date, the university has garnered over $220,000, primarily donated by members of the Divine Nine alumni. This fundraising effort underscores the commitment of minority alumni to the success of future generations. If the university will accept our financial support, then we demand deeds not just words, transparency, and accountability beginning with you respectfully. As you are aware; racism, hate speech, and ill intentions have no place in academic institutions, and immediate action is necessary to eradicate this problematic issue and prevent future occurrences. As a concerned member of the ISU community and alumni, I urge you to hold a press conference to address the issue and outline an Action Plan for resolution. As President of ISU, it is time for you to take accountability, produce change for future students, and hold individuals responsible for their actions.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to a swift and effective resolution to this crisis.
Richard Morris
Regarding the racist statements, silence signifies approval!
Stephanie Guynn
I graduated from ISU School of Nursing and I hope they correct their mistake. This young lady should be removed from the program and switch to a major that doesn’t involve interacting with people.
Lamont Perry
Even in 2024, the situation remains as dire as it was back in the 1980s. Despite our progress and the forgiveness extended for past atrocities— killings, hangings, hate crimes, church bombings, and the era of segregation with its whites-only counters, bathrooms, and water fountains— there persists a belief among some that they can act and speak without consequence. However, they seem to forget that our history predates theirs; the oldest bones discovered resemble us, the very people she refers to.
Denise L Bennett
Not after I just paid all that dangone money for Giving Day. The school better have a better response than this!
Barbara Finch
The words can be spoken; but to speak out (teach) as part of the educational learning process over the ills of racism and discrimination run the risk of adverse action towards the academic deliverer. Indiana Senate Bill 202 passed last month.
TaMarra Pitt-Cooley
This is not a matter of free speech. This is racist comments targeting a specific group which is against the student code of ethics, furthermore, it is not customary to provide judicial decisions or consequences, however, this is a matter of safety and the response needs to be more targeted along with the example of what no tolerance looks like! If you want our black students to stay and you are trying to convince them to stay in the city after graduation then address the issue appropriately and give a statement that will allow those who she targeted to be free without anxiety or fear! BC at the end of the day thank you for paying to go to the frat party but if it makes you feel some kind of way stay your foolish, ignorant tail at home! Her home town is full of this and will champion her upon her return. The white student population knowing the school stood on absolute no tolerance will keep the next one from being emboldened to follow in her footsteps because as long as ISU hides behind free speech they don’t hear us like they said - they are just tolerating yet another response to racism in this country!
Dorian Carlyle
I said it before and I’ll say it again. Waiting on Indiana State to act in favor of anything other than accepting black people’s money without being accountable to black people is like waiting for the day that eight times eight times eight is four. They’ll issue a weak a$$ statement and see y’all at homecoming.
EP Dooley Sr.
The #firstamendment protects #freedomofspeech. Not sure exactly what can be done if no threats or people named were addressed. Unfortunately, not much the administration can do besides give a warning & provide due process. However, her choice of words were deeply disturbing!
