By Lev D. Zilbermints
SOUTH ORANGE – As reported in the May 17 and May 24 issues of Local Talk, Seton Hall University students protesting a lack of African American Studies faculty took over President’s Hall for at least five days. The protesters also blocked South Orange Avenue and Ward Place entrances to Seton Hall University on May 5.
Protect AFAM (African American Studies) group listed seven demands that had to be met before protesters would leave President’s Hall.
The Seven Demands:
- The first demand was the pardoning any and all participants of Protect AFAM from any and all punishment by Seton Hall University policy.
- The second demand includes a cluster hire of 3-4 full-time professors at a minimum who are experienced and recognized as Africana professionals.
- The third demand is that the Africana studies Program be reinstated as a department that is fully funded and supported by the institution by Spring 2024.
- The fourth demand is the hire of a full-time tenured director of the Africana Studies program. This hire will not be included as part of the 3-4 full-time professors.
- The fifth demand is the inclusion of Africana Studies students to serve as liaisons with voting power on the search committee for new directors and professors.
- The sixth demand is to have both increased and truthful advertisements for AFAM (African American Studies Program).
- The seventh demand is to have Black House be reinstated physically as a safe space for black students and a center for the organization of the Black Caucus.
Statement by Protect AFAM after meeting with Seton Hall University administration, SGA
“Local Talk” has learned of progress made by protesters. The statement below was posted on Instagram by Protect AFAM.
“On May 8, 11 Protect AFAM representatives met with President Nyre, Provost Passerini, Monica Burnett (VP of Student Services and Chair of DE&I at Seton Hall), Dr, Forrest Pritchett (Interim Director of Africana Studies) Britnee Timberlake (Seton Hall Alum and Assemblywoman) SGA President and other Seton Hall representatives to discuss the protests and the future of Africana Studies at Seton Hall. After almost six hours of negotiations on our demands, Protect AFAM and Seton Hall administrators were able to come to a consensus that satisfied the needs of both parties at the time.
“Understandably, there are many questions regarding what has happened to our movement since then. In a show of good faith, Protect AFAM removed our signs from the walls and windows of President’s Hall and ceased overnight occupation of the building from 8 am – 8 p.m. until the end of the semester. In addition, Protect AFAM representatives has, and will continue to meet with Monica Burnett, President Nyre, Provost Passerini, and other Seton Hall representatives to grow our Africana Studies Program.
“Due to confidentiality reasons, we cannot share all details of the May 8th meeting, or other meetings with the administration, at this time. However, we value transparency and are able to share our finalized wins!
“Among the list of initiatives (outlined on the Seton Hall website) that were decided in a meeting on Monday, May 15 was a commitment to expand the resources for the program (meaning funds), begin the search for instructors, and decouple the director and new tenure-track position. Additionally, the administration will continue to collaborate with the Council of Africana Scholars, Protect AFAM representatives and the Student Government Association to grow the program in the coming weeks and especially during the Fall 2023 semester.” (Richards)
“In addition to these accomplishments, we also have secured multiple seats on the hiring committee. We are still advocating for students to have voting power on future search committees. The Council of Africana Scholars/Protect AFAM is in collaboration with SGA to work toward building a strong foundation for all organizations under the Black Caucus. We will work toward making sure that Africana Studies is supported beyond the statements on the school website.”
“Note: Because the Council of Africana Studies (CAS) founded Protect AFAM, we will use the CAS title as an official organization under the university to integrate our demands into Seton Hall. CAS will also serve as the direct point of correspondence for concerns regarding Africana Studies at SHU.
“Our fight for Africana Studies does not end because a list of initiatives that collectively operate to accomplish all of our demands were signed into action, and we will continue our fight in every meeting.
“We understand that over the past two weeks, you have all been concerned for us and want to ensure that our efforts do not go in vain. At this time we ask that you refrain from asking questions regarding the specific details of our collaborations with the administration until it is all said and done. We do not have a specific time or date that this process will be over. The central committee of Protect AFAM/2023 executive board of the Council of Africana Scholars is committed to ensuring the security and longevity of the Africana Studies Program at Seton Hall.
“This statement serves as a sign of good faith to community members and other students supporting the movement that Protect AFAM will not stop advocating for our rights to fair and adequate education, spaces, and resources at Seton Hall. We ask that you all continue to trust us through this ongoing process.
“We All Got! – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sincerely, Protect AFAM and The Council of Africana Scholars”
A second statement, posted on Instagram by AFAM, thanked everyone who helped Protect AFAM during its days of protest, May 3 – May 8, 2023. It is given below in its entirety.
“Dear AFAM Community,
“Protect AFAM would like to extend our thanks to any and everyone who supported us through the protests and beyond. We see and appreciate everyone who has provided food, money or supplies, helped with our day-to-day operations or offered advice and words of encouragement. We truly would not have been able to save the Africana Studies Program at Seton Hall without you all.
“For the individuals who slept in President’s Hall and/or stood with us on the front lines, we cannot describe how much of an honor it was to witness everyone coming together as a true family. You may think you depended on us for guidance but in reality, we depended on you.
“Beyond your presence, your commitment to the movement and all your sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Protect AFAM is bigger than us, bigger than Seton Hall… in times of doubt, we looked to you for inspiration. Knowing that you all sacrificed your safety, time, education and futures in an effort to support the cause motivated us to keep showing up as well. Thank you.
“It was a blessing to be able to facilitate a safe haven for BlPOC [Black, People of Color] students, but without you that would have been impossible. We did more than save Africana Studies, we created impenetrable bonds. We hope that when you look back on this moment you are proud of yourselves and proud of all that we’ve done.
“We made history at Seton Hall, but our story doesn’t stop there. We encourage you all to stay connected and involved, Protect AFAM is far from over…”
