Statement in support of Yale students of color

May 11, 2018
Dear Education Studies Scholars,
Earlier this week, a white Yale graduate student called the campus police to report on a black Yale graduate student who had fallen asleep in the common room. In the video, Yale campus police asked the black student, “We want to make sure that you belong here.” For students of color on Yale’s campus, this incident was not only alarming and dangerous, but it represented in stark relief the implicit message that they don’t belong at Yale.
 
In addition to statements from President Peter Salovey and Vice President for Student Life Kimberly Goff-Grews, as directors of the Education Studies program, we want to strongly state our support for all students of color at Yale. This is your community and you belong here.
 
Please know that we are available to support you in the aftermath of this event. We are committed to the work of making Yale a welcoming and inclusive space for all students, faculty and staff.
 
Yours,
Mira Debs, Executive Director, Education Studies
Grace Kao, Faculty Director, Education Studies