WELLESLEY DISORIENTATION GUIDE 2018

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WELLESLEY COLLEGE DISORIENTATION GUIDE COVER

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what’s a disorienation guide?

A disorientation guide provides an altnerative view on a college’s community. This is to spread information that is not typically provided at a first year orietnation event. This is the history and practices of the insitution as through the lens of current students.

This guide was complied by Rachel Kisken (class of 2020) as a project in ECON Political Economy of Race, Gender, and Class taught by Professor Matthaei.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. WELLESLEY’S SETTLER COLONIAL HISTORY 5. INEQUALITY/SOLIDARTY 6. WELLESLEY’S RADICAL HISTORY TIMELINE 12. WHAT’S NEXT??

13. DIVESTMENT 14. HELPFUL TERMS 15. LIVING DOCUMENT GUIDELINES 16. WORKS CITED

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WELLESLEY’S

SETTLER

COLONIAL HISTORY Land where Wellesley is located is granted to a group of 12 European men by a court in present-day Cambridge.

Prior to colonization, Wellesley College’s land was once under the control of of “sachem Magos” (pronounced Mau-gus).

Maugus was converted to Christinaity in 1652. His land control decreased as more settlers came to the area.

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1881

Wellesley the town is incorporated.

1635 1826 1672

No natives remain in the area. Most of their bloodlines have died.

Control of the Indian Village is changed from Native control to Settler control.

1651 Natives from different communities in the area are forced to relocate to an “Indian village.” Lake Waban is named after a respect native leader, known as Waban to the settlers, who lived in this village.

We must acknowledge our settler colonial occupation of these stolen native lands.

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INEQUALITY??

Though Wellesley may at times feel like it exists in a “bubble,� this does not exclude it from reproducing the inequalities pervasive elsewhere in American society. The identities we project to the world are often attached, more broadly, to a system where different identities are valued more than others. A pervasive bias for white, wealthy, able-bodied identities creates barriers against the success of students who do not fit this mold. Wellesley is not a post-racial utopian community.

As students we must critically engage with how Wellesley reproduces inequalities on the basis of ability, race, gender, and class.

&&SOLIDARITY Thankfully, Wellesley students are mobilizing and challenging the inequalities reproduced by the institution and its community. Students are valuing the devalued and re-examining the status quo.

Together, the community can become a force to break systems of inequality.

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RAD

WELLESLEY’S A National Student Strike

Students mach against overcowded classrooms

Hillel meets Trustees af cerns abou

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1982 6

A joint strike between students and IMSEUA protests the gendered pay gap between custodial workers.

Wellesley students participate in the National Student Strike as encouraged by the National Black Anti-War, Anti-Draft Union.

19681

First “Take Back The Night” rally is held.

1973 4

1982 7

Harambee House opens, a result of Ethos’s organizaing efforts.

1970 3 1973 5 1968 2 In a letter adressed to the College President and Board of Trustees, Ethos issues a list of demands including the recruitment of more black students for the incoming class, and increase in black faculty, the creation of an African-American Studies major. They threaten a hunger strike and involving local media if the demands are not met.

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Ethos meets with the college president to increase pressure for Black Studies department.

1984 8

Senate holds sit protesting Acad Council’s denial an academic mi

Student ees to B Ethos workshop during National Students Strike

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DICAL HISTORY Wellesley Organization of Lesbians and Friends protests ROTC because their discrimination policy does not protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual preference.

198511 C

with the Board of fter raising conut anti-semitism

Students host die-in for Sout African divesment. Students form human blockade after Board of Trustees votes against divestment.

1984 9

in dmic for inor

1986 13

South African Divestment Die-In

Student sponsored teach-in abut divestment and racism.

1989 15

1988 14 1986 12

Students organize after lesbian pride chalkings are vandalized.

Ethos withholds class gift in protest of the college’s investment in South Africa

198410

nts pressure Board to add “sexual anti-discrimination

of Trustpreference” policy.

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/ / DISORIENTATION GUIDE Wellesley Academic Action Movement-Siblings Leading Action for Multiculturalism (WAAM-SLAM ll) threatens hunger-strike if demands are not met.

Diversity workshops held in dorms after on-campus hate crime

2001 8

1997 3

Multiculutral Affairs Coordinator position created.

Students protest t ing hall workers b outside of Green

19911

200

A WAAM Rally

2000 6

1995 2

Wellesley Lesbians, Bisexuals and Friends senator positon created.

2000 5 Ethos, WASA, and WCD protests at Senate after SOFC denies funding for next academic year.

19994

WASA and Ethos protest South African Benefit Concert after not being allowed to perform.

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Students circulate petition for full-time Asian Students Adivsor during Family And Friends Weekend.

2002 9

Students protest the M Lisa Smile casting that cluded actors of col

2001 7 Wellesley Asian Action Movement (WAAM) presents demands to Senate, hosts a teach-in, and conducts a sit-in at Green Hall to draw attention to the concerns of Asian American students.

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SOAC-constituted orgs donate their allocated funds to various funds (like health care grants and the Student Aid Society) to shoulder the college’s economic downturn, raising $40,000.

200912

the layoff of dinby living in tents n Hall for weeks.

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PAC, MEZCLA, LGBTQIA, and Cielito Lindo circulate petition after they abruptly loss their storage space.

2013

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Fossil Free Wellelsey conducts die-in outside of Lulu for fossil fuel divestment campaign

2013 15

Mona exlor.

2010 13

“Shop-In” at the College Bookstore held after bookstore employee racially discriminated against a black student.

200911 MAC writes a letter calling for Students organized more staff diversity training. for a full-time queer student advisor.

B Fossil Free Wellesley Die-In

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ACORNS opens, WAAM-SLAMS

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20162

(more)recent Raíz, The Wellesley Asian Alliance, Wellesley Students for Justice in Palestine, Wellesley’s African Students Association and Babson’s Origins of Necessary Equality hold a rally in response to President Trump’s Immigration Ban.

result of organizing.

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2017 3

Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP), Justice for Palestine (JFP) and the Wellesley Arab Women Association (WAWA) hold silent demonstration protesting a talk given by Miri Eisin, a former spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

2016 1 Wellesley-Babson Solidarity March held in response to on-campus hate crime.

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Wellesley-Babson Solidarity March

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t movements

RENEW holds rally outside College Club during Board of Trustees meeting to pressure board to vote for an energy plan that encourages renewable energy.

20188 RAs and HPC organize campaign after unexplained payment delay.

20176

B HP/RA Mobilize

2017

Davis Museum protests Immigration Ban through its “Art-Less� campaign.

2018 7 blackOUT, Familia, Tea Talks, QTPOCC (Queer and Trans People of Color Collective), QCAB (Queer Council Advisory Board) and SAGA protest talk given by Alice Dreger, known for her transphobic views.

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C Miri Eisin Protest

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...NOW IT’S

YOUR TURN! -JOIN ORGS ALREADY FIGHTING FOR CHANGE! -STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH YOUR FELLOW SIBS! -SPEAK UP AGAINST INJUSTICES ON CAMPUS! -CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO! Student movements on campus have created tangible change, even when it seems that it seems mountainous to overcome the obstacles. Current Wellesley students have cultural advisors and homes due to the organization of past Wellesley sibs.

The administration listens when we shout loud enough. Some have voiced concerns that admin only listens when it is timely for them, but this should not dismay your courage to challenge the status quo. If Wellesley does not hear us shout out disagreement, then the institution can continue its unjust practices without fear.

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W & DIVESTMENT Wellesley as an institution has a powerful tool for change: divesting.

What’s divestment?

Divestment has come to be understood as when an investor sells its shares motivated on a change in moral understanding on what was originally supported by its investment.

What divestment movements have happened at Wellesley?

The two larget divestment movements have been the South African divestment and fossil fuel divestment movements.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “The Board of Trustees has decided that divestment [from fossil fuels] is not a good option for Wellesley College. The Board, and I, do not support the idea of There has been a change in the admin’s using the College’s endowment as a lever for social tone on divestment since the first change and determined that such an action would conmovement regarding South Africa. Reflict with the purpose of the endowment. This decision cent statements made by the admin have was based on the conclusions of the working group, indicated resistance to divestment. research on the consequences of divestment, and a discussion with the Board of Trustees. “ H. Kim Bottomly March 7, 2014 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Officially, community members pushing for W divestment are encourage to submit a letter to the chair on Subcommittee on Investment Responsibility... letter parameters include:

What social injury or social benefit will be addressed by endowment action?

What are the specifics of the proposed action?

What effect and how significant an effect would the proposed action have?

What is the likely cost of the proposed action?

How will addressing the social injury or addressing the social benefit contribute to achieving the College’s mission?

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Have an issue? You’re not alone. Here’s

WHERE TO COMPLAIN: MONEY TROUBLE...

- STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES discuss your aid statement. Challenge it when it is still too high. Explain your circumstances and how you need more aid to be able to attend Wellesley.

-STUDENT AID SOCIETY offers a variety of loans, including short term loans that can be paid back using a payment plan.

-DEPARTMENTS usually have grants that can fund internships or other education opportunities

NEED TO LET OFF STEAM...

SELF CARE!!

KSC: EXERCISE! LAKE WALK! LAKE RUN! CHECK OUT A DVD FROM THE LIBRARY! AND A DVD PLAYER! READ YOUR FAVORITE BOOK OUTSIDE! SCREAM! SHOUT! LET IT ALL OUT!

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NEED ACADEMIC SUPPORT...

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- DEANS discuss your strains, use them as a route to meeting with professors and letting them know about issues affecting your classroom performance

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- PROFESSORS let them know when you are struggle, be clear about your abilities and limits, be a self advocate

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-DISABILITY SERVICES can help you get accomdations for class or even aid in getting you tested for a disability you may not be aware of.

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- PLTC class-specifc tutors, writing tutors (for all classes), SI instructors...

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Just as we are always developing and changing, so is the landscape on campus. Add on to this guide so we can share all of our knoweldge together. In an effort of solidarity share the tips you thrive by, history you know, and your perspective!

THIS IS A LIVING DOCUMENT... LET’S GROW IT TOGETHER! First version: published by Rachel Kisken contact her through her Wellesley email (rkisken) All document files (fonts, images, complied notes) avaliable through google drive .... this next space can be you!

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WORKS CITED page 4 1. Fiske, Ellen W. History of the Town of Wellesley. Boston: The Pilgrim Press, 1917.

(2-7) provides all timeline information 2. Hinchliffe, Elizabeth M. Five Pounds Currency, Three Pounds of Corn: Wellesley’s Centennial Story. Wellesley: Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts, 1981. (5) page 6 1. Wellesley College, “The Wellesley News (03-28-1968)” (1968). The Wellesley News (1949). Book 204. http://repository.wellesley.edu/wcnews/204 2. “The History of Ethos.” Wellesley Alum Groups. Publication unknown. http://web.wellesley.edu/Alum/Groups/WAAD/History_of_Ethos.pdf.

3. “The History of Ethos.” Wellesley Alum Groups.

4. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

5. “The History of Ethos.” Wellesley Alum Groups.

6. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

7. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

8. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

A. Wellesley Archives Image Database (Student Strike) B. Wellesley Archives Image Database (Ethos teach in during Student Strike) page 7 9. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

10. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

11. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

12. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

13. Al-Ferzly, Michelle, Catherine B, Dhivya Perumal, Whitney Sheng, Laura Wong. “DIVESTMENT THEN AND NOW: A HISTORY OF WELLESLEY’S SOUTH AFRICAN DIVESTMENT MOVEMENT” last modified May 12, 2014. http://thewellesleynews.com/2014/05/12/divestment-then-and-now-a-history-of-wellesleys-south-african-divestment-movement/.

14. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

15. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

C. Wellesley Archives Image Database (Die-In) page 8 1. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College 2. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College 3. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College 4. “The History of Ethos.” Wellesley Alum Groups.

5. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College 6.“The History of Ethos.” Wellesley Alum Groups.

7. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College 8. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College 9. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College A. Wellesley News Archives (WAAM rally 2001) page 9

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Archives.

Archives.

Archives.

Archives.

Archives.

Archives.

Archives.

MAY/2018 \ \ 10. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

11. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

12. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

13. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

14. Unpublished timeline compiled by Wellesley College Archives.

15. “FOSSIL FREE WELLESLEY: 2016 AND THE FUTURE.” Wellesley Solidarity Economy online.

Accessed May 5 2018. https://wellesleysolidarityeconomy.com/fossil-free-wellesley-2016and-the-future/ B. Fossil Free Wellelsey online. Accessed May 5 2018. page 10 1. Sanchez, Jacqueline. “MARCH FOR PEACE REVITALIZES WELLESLEY–BABSON SOLIDARITY.” The Wellesley News. Published December 1, 2016. http://thewellesleynews.com/2016/12/01/ march-for-peace-revitalizes-wellesley-babson-solidarity/.

2. “New Spaces in Freeman Hall, Acorns, and Pendleton West.” Wellesley College online.

Published February 22, 2017. https://www.wellesley.edu/news/2017/node/111691 3. Otero, Alexandria. “STUDENTS UNITE TO PROTEST FORMER ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES SPOKESWOMAN.” The Wellesley News. Published March 9, 2017. https://thewellesleynews.com/2017/03/09/ students-unite-to-protest-former-israeli-defense-forces-spokeswoman/.

4. Otero, Alexandria. “STUDENT ORGANIZERS HOLD RALLY TO INSPIRE POLITICAL MOBILIZATION IN WELLESLEY COMMUNITY.” The Wellesley News. Published February 25, 2017. https:// thewellesleynews.com/2017/02/25/student-organizers-hold-rally-to-inspire-political-mobilization-in-wellesley-community/.

A. Wellesley News Online page 11 5. Meisenzahl, Mary, Maya Nandakumar. “DAVIS MUSEUM VEILS IMMIGRANT ARTWORK TO CHALLENGE EXECUTIVE ACTIONS.” The Wellesley News. Published February 25, 2017. https://thewellesleynews.com/2017/02/25/davis-museum-veils-immigrant-artwork-to-challenge-executive-actions/.

6. Hurwitz, Sophie. “ALICE DREGER’S SPEECH INCITES PROTEST FROM WELLESLEY’S TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY AND ALLIES.” The Wellesley News. Published February 21, 2018. https:// thewellesleynews.com/2018/02/21/alice-dregers-speech-incites-protest-from-wellesleys-transgender-community-and-allies/.

7. Otero, Alexandria, Sophie Hurwitz. “DELAY IN STUDENT LEADER COMPENSATION INCITES WIDESPREAD ORGANIZING WITHIN WELLESLEY’S COMMUNITY.” The Wellesley News. Published September 27, 2017. http://thewellesleynews.com/2017/09/27/delay-in-student-leader-compensation-incites-widespread-organizing-within-wellesleys-community/ 8. Interview between the author and Emily Lashelle on May 1, 2018 B. Wellesley News Online. RA/HPC mobilize against late payment.

C. Wellesley News Online. page 13 “Divestment.” Wellesley College. Accessed April 29, 2018. http://www.wellesley.edu/about/ president/mytake/divestment.

“Policy Statement of the Subcommittee on Investment Responsibility.” Wellesley College Board of Trustees, June 2015.

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