In thinking about campus organizing, we typically contextualize feminist activism within the confines of large universities or smaller liberal arts colleges--public or private--meeting the needs of a standard college-aged demographic (17-23yrs.) However, when we look at other unique and often forgotten universities that have specific histories and play instrumental roles in the surrounding community, you'll find that a feminist presence has to take on a different shape or form in order to address the realities students face on those campuses. Commuter universities, community colleges, historically black colleges, polytechnic and trade schools, etc. all serve students who range in age, socioeconomic background, ability, gender, race & ethnicity, sexual orientation and so forth. Because many of these institutions carry a tradition or mission to produce working professionals to enter into our workforce, dialogue around social justice and political activism seemingly hits a wall. Ideally, student and feminist activists would love to gain the support and attention from its student body, faculty, staff and administration to place a focus on how critical these initiatives are in enhancing our society.
I recently came across this blog post by Mark Anthony Neal, a Duke University professor, who addresses the concern of the relevancy of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). He highlights the histories parallel to his experience as an HBCU faculty member with deep concerns about the institutional practicing of conservative politics that may contain or sanitize student activism. Though this particular post speak more directly to the traditions of HBCUs, I think some of his commentary also share some similarity to experiences on other college and university campuses.
Reconciling the Romance of Black Institutions by Mark Anthony Neal
Enjoy the piece and don't hesitate to offer your own thoughts!!
Peace!
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