George Floyd’s murder sparked international outcries for policing, criminal justice and systemic discrimination reform. In response, West Virginia University hosted a Campus Conversation on Wednesday afternoon to discuss how the university will move forward to promote diversity, inclusivity and safety on campus.
written by Gillian Wanosky
The discussion did not come without criticism, however. University Police Chief W.P. Chedester came under fire for a “Blue Lives Matter” flag that was hung in the background of his office during the webinar. WVU later put out a statement on their official social media accounts addressing the flag and how they recognized that its connotation made several attendees uncomfortable. They also announced that Chedester had removed the flag from his wall. A full statement from Chedester can be viewed through the link below.
During our Campus Conversation today, UPD Chief W.P. Chedester had an American flag with a blue stripe on display. After hearing feedback from our community, he realizes the hurt he has caused and has removed the flag. A letter from Chief Chedester: https://t.co/Lvel4bsPih — WVU Mountaineers (@WestVirginiaU) June 10, 2020
Moderated by University Relations Vice President Sharon Martin, the Zoom webinar allowed attendees to listen and ask questions to Chedester and WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Vice President Meshea L. Poore, Esq. All campuses were invited to attend the discussion, and supervisors were encouraged to allow their staff to join as well. Over 500 people were in attendance. Questions were submitted to be answered live, and other questions were answered via chat by University Police Captain Sherry St. Clair.
Poore kicked off the conversation by giving attendees a background on the purpose and function of the DEI, as well as why it’s so important to take small steps towards progress. “We must see this as a service to humanity,” Poore said. The DEI’s goal is to make sure that the open-door policy remains at the core of their purpose, so that all university communities feel comfortable consulting with them about any concerns. Poore also stressed the importance of moving further than tolerance, but instead ensuring equality in treatment, regardless of race, gender, religion, etc.
Chedester echoed the heartbreak felt by the rest of the WVU community, saying that this issue has plagued law enforcement for a very long time. “It should never take something like this to make us want to move toward change.” Chedester mentioned that—in partnership with the DEI–the University Police Department is required to take racial sensitivity training on an annual basis. Officers are also required to annually complete training in proper defense tactics, arrest procedures, use of force and other related topics. In order to address issues involving racism, any complaints to UPD are reviewed by their command staff and a team of University representatives—and appropriate disciplinary action is required when complaints are deemed valid. Students are encouraged to report to the UPD immediately when issues arise so they can be brought to their attention and evaluated to the fullest extent.
WVU Student Colton Nichols said he felt many valuable questions were left unanswered, even if they were asked in the chat. “The effort to answer questions seemed to be focused on how quickly we can respond, as opposed to a lengthy but sufficient answer,” Nichols said. Questions were pulled from the chat and read by UR Vice President Martin, but many felt the questions were not accurately translated when read aloud. Several attendees took to Twitter to express their frustration with how questions were handled.
When u show up for a campus conversation to address recent anti-Black violence & the chief of police as a Blue Line flag on his wall & the words “Black ppl” are mentioned only 3 times until you ask to specifically address Black folks. This is unacceptable. .@WestVirginiaU pic.twitter.com/2efj7GJlWL — Jonathan C. Hall (@outtherejch) June 10, 2020
(1/3) How did the DEI/UPD townhall go? Well as always VP Poore did amazing and layed out not only a plan to make change but a desire to make change. However, that’s where the positives end. Chief Chedester did not answer to the amount of women and poc in the Dep. — Colton Nichols (@ColtonNichols01) June 10, 2020
Next time let people call in their questions and concerns because I don’t think y’all hear us… https://t.co/LcUFfVABWS — D E ! O N T E (@deionte_17) June 10, 2020
Shortly after the discussion, a petition began spreading to demand that WVU cut ties with the Morgantown Police Department, the Granville Police Department and the Westover Police Department—citing previous “cases of violence against BIPOC, NBPOC, and/or disabled people” as reasoning for the demands.
Poore wanted to make it clear that they openly recognize there is a problem. “We wouldn’t be having this conversation if we thought everything was all great.” She said there’s no way to reverse 400+ years of racism, and there’s no way to resolve things overnight. “This is not something that’s going to be a sprint, but it’s going to be a marathon.”
Several positive initiatives were announced during the conversation, including the introduction of “The Quad”, a new living-learning community open to all students of color. The community is meant to give students of color a supportive and academic-focused environment that allows them to participate in engaging activities, gain study skills, learn about WVU resources and ease the transition into college.
When asked how community members and students could get involved to create positive change, Poore encouraged students to look into the Student Diversity Ambassador program. More information on this program can be found by emailing Aisury Vasquez at amvasquez@mail.wvu.edu.
Both Poore and Chedester addressed that there are some very tough conversations waiting to take place in order to create long-term change, and WVU plans on hosting more conversations like these in the future. The archival version of this discussion will soon be available on the WVU Bureaucracy Busters website. Likewise, the DEI website provides more extensive information on plans to create long-lasting change, as well as a joint statement from Poore and Chedester.
What were your thoughts on WVU’s recent Campus Conversation? Tweet us @WVUStudentMedia.