Beloit Now
Beloit College still faces issues of racism today. Students have continually fought for changes from the administration with determination and persistence. There have been peaceful marches, panels, performances, and demonstrations. Even though the college strives to be an anti-racist institution, there have been racist acts on campus.
Some contemporary major changes include the creation of the Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusiveness (OADI), the Office for Inclusive Living and Learning (OILL), and Students for an Inclusive Campus (SIC). These organizations' priorities are for students of color and other marginalized students to feel a sense of belonging and be a place to voice their concerns.
Despite the actions and changes happening on campus to become a more inclusive institution, the original Black Demands keep resurfacing. The Black Demands of 1969 continue to be relevant on campus and in society. They still challenge Beloit College, as a predominantly white institution, to address racism on campus.
While we continue to see racism and exclusion at Beloit College and in our society, it is the students that bring hope. The many generations of students at Beloit College have showed that they are dedicated to fighting for equity and social justice. Through their resilience, they pave the way of a better Beloit College for future generations to come.
Students should not feel discouraged that they are not enacting change or that the administration is not listening to them. There have been changes throughout the decades that bring hope that the fight for social justice makes a difference on this campus. Students today should remember that they are part of a long history of Beloit College students for a more equitable campus. Change takes time.
