On November 9th, 2023 Arcadia University’s Social Justice Society put together a walk-out where hundreds of Arcadia students gathered to discuss the issues happening on campus.
This Walk Out was in relation to the fact that the OCR (Office of Civil Rights) determined that the university violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. OCR found that the university violated Title IX when it failed to investigate possible sexual harassment by the Professor about which the University had knowledge prior to April 2021. They failed when it came to completing an investigation and making a determination regarding allegations because the Professor tendered his resignation.
Prior to the Walk Out, there was a Town Hall that was held. The Town Hall in question, of which I was in attendance, was a discussion-based meeting that was intended to give Arcadia students a chance to voice their concerns. Many students voiced issues pertaining to Dining Hall staff and Public Safety officers. This brought to light that the Title IX investigation wasn’t the only thing students were concerned about, but rather this issue was broader than previously thought. Shortly thereafter, there was an email sent out by the Office of the President, containing an “Action Plan” which listed a number of steps the University plans to take.
This Action Plan wasn’t enough to satiate students, in fact, many students thought this was far too little of an effort. One of the main concerns was that the Title IX coordinator who failed to properly do her duty, Nora Nelle, was allowed to resign without much other consequence.
This, and many other concerns, led to an uproar on Arcadia’s Campus, where survivors of on-campus sexual assault and discrimination banded together to discuss the issues at large. Many fellow concerned students and faculty members were in attendance at the Walk Out, including the current presiding President of Arcadia University, Ajay Nair. While it’s commendable that the President was there, his presence was met with mixed emotions. Many students took the opportunity to voice their thoughts and opinions to him specifically, and others thought that this was the least he could do for the student body.
Alongside that, students took the opportunity of the Walk Out to talk about additional concerns with faculty members, disability accommodations, and the failure to protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination. I myself voiced concerns as a current “Because Arcadia” blogger. I work with the University’s Office of Marketing and Communications, where I showcase Arcadia through blog posts for prospective students.
I felt blindsided by the University that signed a contract to highlight. I was beyond disappointed. I felt as if the rug had gotten pulled from under me. Where did that leave me? A once proud Knight of Arcadia University.
The reason I joined the “Because Arcadia” blog was that I felt it was an amazing opportunity to have my own published works on a University website. As a student journalist hoping to make a career for myself, I felt this would be a great experience to grow and better myself as a writer. All while working with editors and faculty in a fashion similar to any other publication. There was also the added component of being a first-generation college student and being proud of the institution I attend. I thought this was a chance to have my cake and eat it too, but this cake tasted a little more bitter than I expected it to.
As a journalist and social activist in the making, I believe change is possible with the collective effort of all those involved. I also believe that any true journalist in the making leads with integrity, transparency, and compassion. This is the standard I try to hold myself to, and I’m at a crossroads.
Within my blogger position, it’s difficult for me to talk about this event. Especially since in my contract, there’s a stipulation of not being able to post things that are offensive to the University. Coupled with Arcadia being able to reject the content altogether if they felt I was misrepresenting the institution. My blog is read by prospective students everywhere, and I’m not sure what kind of picture I should be painting for future students anymore. Do I continue to pretend our campus is perfect? Who does the benefit?
I feel in my heart that Arcadia could do better as a community and as an institution. However, it takes all of us, working together and being honest about the issues that take place on our University’s campus. Alongside the action of doing something about it. It’s important because we won’t get better as a University if we pretend that everything is perfect when in fact it’s not. Nothing is perfect, but things can always improve. We just need to put in the effort to do so.
For every student at the Walk Out, the experience was incredibly raw and vulnerable, which was the most empowering thing about the event. Arcadia students banding together to create real change and to get real results. This is everything Arcadia taught us to be, fearless Knights who fight for what they believe in. Now we’re doing just that, for the betterment of our community.
Other perspectives on this issue:
> Arcadia University’s Title IX Investigation by Natalie Tursi
> Statements from Arcadia University students, Social Justice Society leaders, and Faculty
> Title IX as an RA and OL by Klaudia Wrona
Featured image of staff member Ethan Rodriguez, illustrated by Anna Stevens.
