Thirty-nine faculty members sent an open letter to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier criticizing the university’s removal of a proposed amendment to the Vanderbilt Student Government constitution that would prevent VSG funding from being spent on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement’s organic and consumer boycott targets.
Vanderbilt administration removed the amendment, which was proposed by Vanderbilt Divest Coalition, a conglomerate of over 18 student organizations, from the VSG ballot over spring break. Students protested the removal of the amendment by staging a sit-in at Students for Justice in Palestine’s “Apartheid Wall” exhibit in Rand Yard. Students also participated in a sit-in at Kirkland Hall, resulting in the suspension of at least 16 students.
The letter was signed by 39 professors spanning the College of Arts and Science, Peabody College and the School of Medicine, with nine choosing to remain anonymous. The letter said signing faculty members were “deeply troubled” by the university’s decision to remove the amendment. According to the faculty member who shared the letter with The Hustler, a group of students and faculty left a printed copy of the letter at Diermeier’s office door in Kirkland Hall on March 22.
“We find it ironic and disgraceful for Vanderbilt to describe itself as a beacon of democratic activity while, at the same time, prohibiting the most direct forms of democratic action that students can take,” the letter reads.
The letter also highlighted the importance of encouraging student activism on campus.
“Vanderbilt students have long spoken out on critical issues of moral concern, locally and globally. Their political speech, protest and collective action should be encouraged rather than discouraged,” the letter reads. “This is especially true when, as in Palestine today, oppression and violence are contributing to the suffering of millions of people and the loss of tens of thousands of human lives.”
Associate Professor of English Candice Amich said she believes the letter came as the result of many faculty members’ concerns regarding the cancellation of the BDS amendment and the university’s revocation of their approval for the “Apartheid Wall” exhibit, although students were later reapproved to remain in Rand Yard following their sit-in protest.
“I signed the letter to support the students taking direct democratic action to prevent student government funds from being channeled to companies that profit from Israeli atrocities in Palestine,” Amich said. “As a faculty member, I’m emboldened by their moral courage. I’m proud of the students demanding a space for Palestinian solidarity efforts on campus.”
Associate Professor of Medicine, Health, and Society and Anthropology Kenneth MacLeish said he believes student protests in support of Palestine are a part of a “legacy” of Vanderbilt students advocating for “justice and equity,” citing past student activism during the Civil Righs Movement and against South African apartheid. MacLeish added that student government has historically been “one key means” of championing change on campus.
“The human and political stakes of the violence being perpetrated against Palestinians with United States support are incredibly high, and students are leading the way in bringing this urgent issue to the center of our community,” MacLeish said. “I would hope to see the administration welcoming student expression or even standing up for it in the face of laws that many see as unjustly limiting it.”
The letter concluded with a statement describing the cancellation of the amendment vote as “a step in the wrong direction.”
“We condemn this suppression of student democracy and demand that the ballot referendum be reinstated,” the letter reads.
The university did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
