The social media discussion, Twitter hashtag #BBUM (Being Black at the University of Michigan), has sparked a nationwide debate.
The demands list was presented by Robert Greenfield IV, treasurer of the BSU and a double major junior, along with Eric Gavin and Shayla Scales, double major seniors.
Greenfield addressed the UM Board of Regents, “I assure you I am only a messenger and not an amplifier for every single person that felt as if they did not belong here on campus, despite their acceptance letter saying otherwise.” The 4.6 percent African-American student population among more than 43,000 at UM reflects the lack of emphasis on the recruitment and retention of Black students according to Greenfield.
“I assure you that any one person who feels frustrated or downtrodden because of unfulfilled promises or lack of oversight over policy geared toward social climate is only frustrated because they possess a desire for equality that is so strong not even a blow of unaccountability can burn the fight for equality,” Greenfield added.
According to the BSU, the goal of the demands list is to elevate the visibility of students of color on the UM campus and to prioritize the social standing of students of color.
The demands are as follows:
