LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Student body must foster an inclusive campus for all

Yesterday, banners reading “Black Lives Matter” were raised on campus along Trousdale Parkway and within the Ronald Tutor Campus Center. The raising of these banners was the result of a joint effort between USC’s Graduate Student Government and Undergraduate Student Government, with the support of the Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs, Asian Pacific American Student Services, El Centro Chicano and the LGBT Resource Center. The banners will remain up for about two weeks.

Over the past several years, the issue of police violence targeting black individuals and communities — violence that often results in injury or death — has seen increased, sustained attention from the American people. Directly following George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the death of Trayvon Martin, the #blacklivesmatter hashtag went viral, eventually leading to the founding of the Black Lives Matter movement by Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Ganza and Opal Tometi.

Inspired by the raising of a flag stating “Black Lives Matter” at the University of Vermont in September, GSG and USG decided in September that it was important to state our unequivocal support for black lives on this campus. The spike in hate crimes over the past week and a half — including on this campus — further proved the necessity of such a message. This statement of affirmation is a small way of recognizing the unique challenges facing many students within the Trojan Family, and a reminder that our advocacy must include representing populations that, for too long, have remained underrepresented and marginalized not just on our campus, but across the country.

Due to the decentralized nature of the Black Lives Matter movement, this statement should not be read as a blanket endorsement of every Black Lives Matter chapter or their visions, demands and tactics. Moreover, no one within GSG or USG believes that black lives matter more than, or at the expense of, other lives. Many of this initiative’s strongest supporters also work for the benefit of other marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+, disabled, undocumented, indigenous, and low-income communities. In other words, the statement should not be understood as “only Black lives matter,” but that “black lives matter, too.” This initiative recognizes that black lives have historically not mattered — and still do not matter — as much as other lives in America. We, as a Trojan family, must acknowledge this fact as we work to create a more diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive University.

We understand that Black Lives Matter has become a controversial issue nationally, that some may find this statement improper, and that many individuals have unwavering thoughts on this issue. However, as campus leaders, we encourage all students to reflect critically on what our campus — and our country — would look like if the lives of today’s systemically marginalized groups had mattered from the start. GSG and USG are dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus with the help of the student body, and this statement is but a starting point. Will you join us?

Kris Coombs, Jr.

Vice President, Graduate Student Government