Dear Community,
For those who are unaware, a disturbing email was sent to several staff members of the Department of Afro-American and African studies last Friday, November 1st. This email featured racist tropes and stereotypes intended to degrade and dehumanize DAAS staff, faculty and students. Like so many of you, we are horrified and disgusted by this act.
The sender of the email has yet to be identified. The University of Michigan’s Division of Public Safety and Security is working in coordination with ITS to identify who sent the email. We hope the investigation will be thorough and swift, and the perpetrator will be held accountable.
DAAS is an integral part of the history of the BSU, making this attack personal and especially disturbing. DAAS is home to the BSU’s advisor Elizabeth James, affectionately known as Mama Beth, who’s words of wisdom and open-door policy act as an essential place of refuge for Black students.
In 2020, we will be commemorating the 50th anniversary of DAAS and the first Black Action Movement. On a campus where being a Black student often feels like being the exception and not the norm, DAAS provides the rare experience of being represented.
The Black Student Union stands with DAAS staff, faculty and students and will do everything we can to show support to those who were affected by this incident.
Peace, Love & Solidarity,
The Black Student Union