The Original Demands
35 black students created a list of demands they thought would make Beloit College more inclusive and affirming of their race. These are the demands:
"WE THE BLACK STUDENTS OF BELOIT COLLEGE FEEL THESE DEMANDS ARE IMPERATIVE TO OUR EXISTENCE AS USEFUL MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE AND CIVIC COMMUNITY. WE FEEL THE DEMANDS ARE CRUCIAL TO THE EXISTENCE OF BELOIT COLLEGE AS A LEARNING INSTITUTION WITH RELEVANCE TO BLACK PEOPLE. THE DEMANDS WE HAVE PROPOSED WILL PROVIDE A CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL VEHICLE FOR CREATING THE AWARENESS, CONFIDENCE, AND DETERMINATION IN BLACK PEOPLE THAT IS NECESSARY FOR ANY TYPE OF EXISTENCE BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE IN THIS COUNTRY."
1. Full credit course offerings in the African & Afro-American History, Art, Music, Philosophy, Economics, Government, Literature and Languages taught by Black professors.
2. Mandatory courses on the concept of Blackness for student body, faculty, and administration.
3. Admissions program aimed at increasing the percentage of Black students to 10% of the student body.
4. Hiring program aimed at increasing percentage of faculty members ro 10% Black.
5. Section of dorms reserved for Black students.
6. Inclusion of relevant contributions by Black experts in each field of our current curriculum.
7. A Black financial aid consultant.
8. Establishment of a Black cultural center and meeting place.
9. Institution of the High Potential Education Program as approved by the Beloit College faculty.
10. Revision of Area Exams to allow Black students to relate the required courses and readings to their cultural and social environment and that these be read and judged by Black professors.
11. Revision of Upper and Under class common courses to include sections focused on Blackness.
12. End of harassment of Black students by maintenance men, receptionists, security guards and other college personnel.
CAN YOU DIG IT?