UW Black Student Union pushes for removal of George Washington statue
UW s Black Student Union made seven demands of the university, including policing practices, diversity requirements and removing the George Washington statue. Author: Natalie Swaby Updated: 10:59 PM PST February 15, 2021
SEATTLE In recent months, students on the University of Washington s campus have re-examined the role of racism and pushed for change. Things really shifted during the uprisings of George Floyd,” said Mahilet Mesfin, president of UW’s Black Student Union.
Mesfin says the BSU presented a list of seven demands for the University of Washington administration to meet the needs of Black students. The list, in part, focused on policing practices, diversity requirements, expanding mental health resources, hiring more Black faculty and removing the George Washington statue.
SOURCES:
Jesse J. Holland, Author and Assistant Professor at George Washington University
Mary Elliott, Curator of American Slavery at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
ANSWER:
George Washington owned hundreds of enslaved people throughout his life. While his views on the institution of slavery shifted in his later years, he made private efforts to prevent his slaves from claiming their freedom and never spoke publicly about abolition until his death.
PROCESS:
From ripped down statues to renamed landmarks, communities are reexamining how to remember and honor historical figures. Even our nation’s first president is under the microscope because of the fact he held slaves throughout his life.
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