Students Launch NAACP Chapter

Castleton University is home to a new NAACP collegiate chapter – the only of its kind in Vermont.

The group, which includes founding members Raynolds Awusi, Nadia Cox, and Tajae Edwards, began the process of forming a university chapter last spring. They received official approval from the national NAACP office in June. Castleton’s group is the fourth chapter in Vermont. There are currently more than 600 youth councils, high school chapters, and college chapters across the country.

To charter a new chapter, Castleton had to meet a number of criteria, including keeping a minimum of 25 members. At the end of the year, the chapter had approximately 30 members.

“Even though Castleton is small and there are not many students of color here, everyone should feel welcome and included. Students should feel welcome in Vermont,” Cox said. Membership in Castleton’s collegiate chapter is open to all students. The chapter will be overseen by student leaders, as well as advisor Rich Clark.

This year, Edwards and Cox hope to continue engaging the Castleton community in important conversations, while also continuing to produce programming like film discussions, training for the community, and more.

“Even though Castleton is small and there are not many students of color here, everyone should feel welcome and included.”

Read the full story: CASTLETON.EDU/NAACP