A group calling itself “We Are Done,” which, according to its Facebook page, is a coalition of students and faculty concerned about racism and discrimination on campus, has released three demands of the University via its Facebook page as of 12:20 p.m. today.
Its first demand is that the University create a division of diversity and equity with the addition of a vice president or vice provost of diversity.
Its second demand is that the University remove the names of white supremacists, Klansman, Confederate generals and Eugenicists from classroom buildings or create markers to show the history of racism the buildings’ namesakes are associated with.
Its third demand is that the University increase its funding for student organizations and officers that do intersectional work. The demand specifically mentions the Counseling Center, the Women and Gender Resource Center, Safe Zone, the Center for Service and Leadership, Crossroads, Wellness and the Gender and Race Studies Department.
The page says the University is at an important period in its history. Behind the University are years of inequality and in front of the University is the opportunity to create a more inclusive and welcoming campus.
“We are done with allowing UA to shirk its responsibility to serve all students,” the page reads. “We are done with letting intolerance and bigotry control our school’s fate. We are done with accepting that our voices don’t matter. And we are done with the Machine.”
The group’s wordmark incorporates the Greek letters, Theta Nu Epsilon, the traditional greek name of the Machine.
Over the next few months, the page says, the group will peacefully engage in campus to show that the University is ready for change.
The Crimson White has reached out to several parties for comment.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
UPDATE(4:10 p.m., 11/18/15):
The group’s fourth demand is that the University takes steps to reinstate and provide sufficient funds for the Black Alumni Network.
The group’s fifth demand is that the University creates an endowed budget for the Black Faculty and Staff Association to fund programming and initiatives with students.
Its sixth demand is that the University creates an effective way to report hate crimes and sexual assault on campus.
Its seventh demand is that the University requires all students to take a freshman diversity course to teach them about race, gender and sexuality.
Its eight demand is that the University updates the diversity plan from 2008 and has students from diverse backgrounds to approve or create said plan.
Its ninth demand is that the University provides a permanent safe space for students of color in the Ferguson Student Center.
Its tenth demand is that the University increases the number of black faculty and staff by the 2017-18 school year.
Its eleventh demand is that The University of Alabama Administration and Board of Trustees acknowledge the existence of The Machine and actively take steps to bring it above ground.
UPDATE (11:24 p.m, 11/18/15): The group has scheduled a protest tomorrow, Thurs. Nov. 19, at 11 a.m. at Malone-Hood Plaza outside Foster Auditorium. Attendees are invited to wear all black, according to the group’s Facebook page
