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It is with a truly heavy heart that we, the Steering Group for the 2022 Sojourner Truth Library Antiracist Campus Read, share that we have collectively chosen to postpone this semester’s program.

The theme we are attempting to tackle, Living Abolition: Our People, Our Practice, Our Community, Our Classrooms, requires more from us than we can give in this moment.

We are collectively working daily within a system that expects us to continue with business as usual, endure the lack of support and flexibility that we need, and support each other through the traumas that we are experiencing. The pandemics of racism, covid, and war continue. We all feel the impact in our bodies, hearts, and minds. The systems in which we live and work continue to respond with silence in an attempt to push us forward no matter what; and this continues to cause harm.

Our team has taken a radical approach to crafting this program, by centering thoughtful discussions and planning around safety, care, and humanity of racialized people. We are committed to being accountable, and need the time and space to create a program that seriously endeavors to challenge the status quo of antiracism work, specifically within the context of a Predominantly White Institution. In some ways, postponing this program is an act of resistance.

This is not something we take lightly. We care deeply about our relationships to this community. We care about the pedagogy we carefully shape for this teaching. That is why we are stepping back, holding boundaries, and prioritizing our own wellbeing.

We have deep, deep gratitude for every single person who registered for this program. Over 100 members of our campus community have signed up to participate. Your willingness to take on this work shows us that our efforts are worth it.

We thank you for your compassion and understanding.

With gratitude,

Jen, Adrianna, Nancy, Robyn, Asilia, Anthony, Paola, Jesslyn, and Ramona