Hello, this is my response to several articles that have gone out within the past weeks in regard to resignation and displeasure with Senate, as Student Body President. First I will comment on claims made towards me, then take accountability. First of all, unfortunately, many of the claims made in the recent resignation letter of a senator were false. Let me start by saying that I’ve never said I “don’t like being friends with POC,” and that doesn’t really need much elaboration. Also, no members of Senate have ever refused to give other members time off for mental health reasons; in fact, that’s something I emphasize both in the onboarding and orientation processes. I have taken actions in response to harmful behavior exhibited on Senate, such as misogynoir targeted towards me, including being told I’d be interrupted “if I said something that wasn’t important,” and being called intimidating, to name a couple. Following these incidents, I took necessary steps because I do not tolerate misogynistic or microaggressive behavior in Senate, in an attempt to receive external support in navigating harm. This was unfortunately received as targeted punishment.
Now, I will take accountability. It’s unfortunate to read about poor experiences on Senate. I had never heard that anyone was having poor experiences until these articles had come out, yet I respect their right to share them. I’ve been committed, my whole presidency, to the support of senators, and will continue to do so. It means a lot to me that as a Black woman, I’m given the space to represent people like me, make change on a wide scale, and work as a team on Senate with like-minded individuals. I want everyone to feel listened to, supported and like Senate is a fruitful experience. I'm learning and taking actions that will, hopefully, eliminate departures such as these in the future. All members have contributed so many positive opinions, ideas and energy, and I am grateful to have had the chance to work with everyone on our team. Yet, I will always stand up for myself, especially in the face of lies and misogyny. My predecessor experienced this as well, and it's unfortunately a common experience for Black fems in “powerful” positions at Reed, to which I will not fall victim to, and not refuse to denounce. I reallywant to continue this conversation inside of Senate as opposed to through the Quest, but I feel as though it is my right to clarify claims about me that have been false.