Symbolic funeral march of Program Houses [full story]

Ho Plaza hosted yet another demonstration allegedly instigated by financial cutbacks yesterday- this time, in the form of a mock funeral for the death of “safe spaces at Cornell.” The march began at Sibley hall and speeches were made at Ho Plaza denouncing the administration’s approach to program houses. Afterward, the group of people proceeded to Day Hall, where last words were spoken for the said “safe spaces.”

The procession, as outlined in a pamphlet provided at the scene, was to “honor and celebrate the lives of Ujamaa, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Support Services, Asian and Asian American Center, Akwe:kon, [and the] Latino Living Center.” Obviously, the funeral was symbolic, and meant to be indicative of the impending doom presented by the University’s recent statements by President Skorton that, in light of economic hardships, the school will be reviewing many facets of the institution that could be eligible for change or improvement.

The main concern conveyed by participants of the march was that the University is neglecting its responsibility to uphold its commitment to diversity by ‘killing’ the program houses under the false pretenses of fiscal responsibility. As outlined in the funeral’s pamphlet, “in the year 2009, under the guise of financial hardship, the University took this opportunity to knock down these safe spaces, one by one.”

Zachary Murray ‘12 reiterated this point, saying that “the University is using the financial collapse as an excuse.” He also brought up another reoccurring point that “[those taking part in the march] want to demand the University to begin a discussion about program houses, and the issue of minorities in general.”

While one participant dramatically banged a gong between speeches and another hoisted a sign which read “R.I.P Safe Spaces at Cornell,” the speakers recalled the takeovers of Willard Straight Hall and Day Hall as monumental events which began the awareness of under-represented students at Cornell.

“We want to begin an honest discussion about the past,” Murray told Cornell Review reporters. “Discuss the affirmative action for whites which existed for such a long time. [Minorities] aren’t represented according to the global population.”  In an example of how to begin this discussion, Murray called upon listeners in the crowd to write editorials, speak out, write to administrators, and, specifically, write to the Bully Pulpit.

Discussing the potential effects of closed program houses, Jonathan Pomboza ‘10, pointed out that these cuts “will be felt more intensely [than other budget cuts]. They are not more important than others, but this is a concern for us, so we raise awareness. Students who go to the program houses for resources will feel [the absence of programs].” Pomboza then talked about the way program houses encourage their members to get out into the community, saying that many program houses provide funding for events that occur across campus, which help students experience all sorts of different cultures and lifestyles.

Bhavna Devani, an ‘09 graduate student, who took part in the funeral march, discussed the meaning of the sign which claimed “safe spaces at Cornell” are dead. “Sometimes it’s about physical safety. Other times it’s about social support, unique needs, the need for general support. Cornell is already stressful, and minorities have another dimension of stress.”

In response to the accusations brought up by the funeral march, Susan Murphy, chief of student affairs at Cornell, said that “none of these spaces they are concerned about are in jeopardy. In tough economic times, you have to be vigilant. There is a review of the program houses just like everything else.”

As this is a topic of constant discussion here at Cornell, we encourage Cornell readers (and our outside readers, as well) to contribute their thoughts / questions / concerns about this subject in the comments section below.