Spelman’s Repression of Student Voices: A Call for Reaffirmation of the Institution’s Core Values
Established in 1881, Spelman College has consistently served as a beacon for the education of Black women, supporting social justice initiatives and advocating for the eradication of oppression. The college's dedication to empowering students as agents of change is embodied within its motto, "A Choice to Change the World." Historically, Spelman has supported Black women in challenging structural injustice and working toward equality and freedom. However, despite this long history of activism, students who confront institutional and societal injustices frequently face backlash from the administration.
“The 1976 Lock-In of the Spelman Board of Trustees” is one of the most significant events in Spelman's history. Frustrated by their lack of representation in college administration, students stormed a Board of Trustees meeting in defiance. They made their request clear: they wanted Spelman, an institution dedicated to empowering Black women, to appoint its first Black woman president. Through a daring and well-planned demonstration, they effectively locked the board inside for two days, providing them with only a bucket to use the bathroom. This historic act of resistance is a cornerstone of Spelman’s advocacy and legacy of self-determination.
The expulsion of renowned author Alice Walker, a Spelman student known for her strong advocacy on gender and race, marked another significant moment in Spelman's history of activism. The administration's conflict with students is further exemplified by the dismissal of historian Howard Zinn, whose views on social justice and history inspired many students to protest. Kafia Halle, an alumna from Spelman's class of 2002, reflected:
Spelman students have always been interested in freedom and equality. Sometimes, they struggle to find the right groups to connect with on campus or to identify how they can contribute their skills to the movement.The fear of repercussions is always present. However, I hope students find encouragement in alumni support, especially from the more than 400 AUC alumni who recently signed a petition advocating for students' rights to organize and protest on campus.
The historical tension between student activism and administrative authority is echoed in the recent events during Spelman's graduation on May 19, 2024. In light of the continuing genocide in Gaza and the siege on Rafah, members of the Student Intercommunal Coordinating Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine of the Atlanta University Consortium staged a quiet protest during the ceremony to show support for Palestinians. Graduates received keffiyehs, which are traditional symbols of resistance, to wear.
However, unexpected hostility met their nonviolent protest. The keffiyehs were forcibly removed by administrators and volunteers who threatened to prevent graduates who wore them from walking the stage. This response draws attention to a concerning pattern that has emerged during the 2023–2024 academic year: Spelman’s administration has grown more antagonistic toward student activists. In sharp contrast to Spelman's ideals of social justice, those fighting for justice in Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo have faced expulsion threats and scholarship revocation.
Before reaching the stage, an alumna who has decided to remain anonymous, had her keffiyeh taken away. She was disappointed, stating, "I didn't expect that reaction. They threatened to withhold degrees. My family didn’t pay four years of tuition and expenses not to see me walk [because] I wanted to do what was right."
Another alumna, Mozn Shora, expressed her disappointment toward the graduation ceremony. As the only student allowed to wear a keffiyeh while crossing the stage, despite over 75 being distributed to faculty and graduates, Shora reflected upon her experiences as a senior and a Social Justice Program Fellow:
I knew everything Spelman taught us was right in principle. However, it became clear that they never truly wanted us to apply what we learned to create real change. That’s why I wasn’t concerned about walking the stage. The lives of people dying in Gaza matter far more than a piece of paper from an institution that refuses to take a stand. Silence in the face of evil is itself evil, no matter how much we try to disguise it by updating our website to discuss social justice or posting memorials for the 1976 Lock-In on Instagram.
The keffiyeh protest was not only a powerful symbol of resistance. It was also a significant financial commitment, showcasing the Spelman community's dedication to the college's motto. Initially, the keffiyehs cost $350, but as more students joined the effort, additional funds were raised. Faculty members also expressed their support by wearing the keffiyehs. One anonymous faculty member recounted:
When I sat down at a table and placed the stack of keffiyehs in the middle, all the faculty were excited and shared how happy they were to receive them. One mentioned that her daughter would be so proud of her. They discussed how to wear the keffiyehs and even traded colors to coordinate with their robes.
The administration’s handling of this nonviolent demonstration begs significant concerns about how closely it adheres to the values it claims to support. It is incompatible with the college's long history of action and opposition to silencing student voices. Historical demonstrations such as the Lock-In of 1976 serve as a reminder of how critical it is to resist injustice and push for substantive change.
The administration has to reconsider its position on student action as Spelman College considers its rich history of resistance. More than simply token gestures are needed to uphold the principles of justice and fairness; real support for individuals who oppose the status quo and strive for global justice is required. The college has to live up to its motto by encouraging action and reiterating its commitment to changing the world through the empowerment of student activists.
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