[Bgs-list] Students arrested

Sat Apr 16 09:53:57 EDT 2016

To answer Curtis question where do we go from here as faculty and staff I
think it starts by supporting the diversity programs already established at
Clemson University by African American faculty/staff or those who serve as
advocates for diversity. Starting at the undergraduate level with Minority
Student Success Initiative (MSSI), PEER and Connections Mentioning Program
all three of these programs were established to help African Americans
excel academically here at Clemson University. As faculty and staff we need
to pour our time and resources into these programs or similar programs.
This can be done by establishing partnerships with these organization
through the grant writing process to make sure they receive adequate
funding to support the needs of our current and potential students . We
must also publicize these programs to high schools in the state of South
Carolina and at college fairs. Hopefully this will help in making a
statement to potential students that yes we have idiots at Clemson
University but we also have this core group of African American leadership
that will support your Clemson experience. We must also support programs
like Emerging Scholars. Amber Lang has done an amazing job of getting high
school students from the Low Country to come to Clemson for the summer
starting as sophomores all the way to their senior year in hopes of them
getting accepted to college with a scholarship . We need to be asking Amber
how we can offer more support as faculty/staff  to Emerging Scholars. Last
year I served as the Computer Science teacher for the seniors.

Also I think we underestimate the power of a grant. Juan Gilbert is able to
continuously attract Phd students wherever he goes because he has the
external funding. You want to attract African American students to your
program get a large grant and build the infrastructure to support them both
academically and financially. I don't know if anyone is aware of this but
right now there is NSF grant being written to increase and support
minorities in the STEM fields at Clemson. We need African American faculty
on this grant. A significant amount of African American students here at
Clemson University are in engineering and a lot of them don't make it to
graduation. This grant could play a critical role in creating a support
system for our engineers. It can also be used to provide funding for our
students/faculty to go to conferences such as the National Society of Black
Engineers(NSBE) where we can recruit students to Clemson University.

On the graduate level we need to advertise the work that Jerry Knighton and
Frankie Felder are doing here at Clemson University with the graduate
school diversity fellowship. We have the funding here to support African
American graduate students. As faculty/staff we must take the next step to
reach out to our colleagues at other universities and our own students at
Clemson University to let them know we have funding to support graduate
students. When having conversations regarding graduate school with
undergrads I discover that the biggest concern amongst our students is how
am I going to pay for this. We as faculty/staff must make them aware that
here at Clemson University we have funding through the diversity
fellowship. I have taken several undergrad and graduate students to Frankie
Felder office to have her explain the graduate school application process
and the funding available. Not enough people know about this and that is
not  Jerry or Frankie fault that is on us as faculty/staff.

Also we must not overlook our relationships with HBCUs when recruiting
graduate students. We need to make it our duty as faculty to give a least
one talk a year at an HBCU. Let them know about our research, let them know
about the diversity fellowship and let them know I'm interested in you
coming to Clemson University and working with me. I witnessed Juan Gilbert
build a lab out of this model which later transformed Clemson University
into the largest producer of African American Phd Students in Computer
Science. Also there has  been talks of late about departments trying to
establish pipelines between Clemson University and HBCUs. We need to be
apart of these discussions. Co-authoring large grants with HBCUs could also
increase graduate school enrolment.

Finally we must address how do we get African Americans to come here and
stay here as faculty. I think Curtis has done an excellent job to make sure
Panthfinders happens every year. For those unaware Panthfinders is a
program that brings diverse Phd students to Clemson University for almost a
week to attend workshops, panels and round table discussion related to
being faculty in hopes to get them interested in applying to open faculty
positions at Clemson. This is a great program that needs the support of
faculty/staff and even students. However, I believe this is just a starting
point. We must realize that the decision of extending a faculty position to
an applicant has a lot to do with the college you are in but  specifically
your department. The Provost and President can invest all the money they
want into increasing African American faculty here at Clemson but at the
end of day if the faculty don't think the applicant is a worthy candidate
then most likely they are not going to extend that offer. So I think the
questions is how do we get our fellow colleagues in our department to take
African American applicants serious? I think one way of doing this is
positioning ourselves to serve on faculty search committees. On these
committees we have a voice, even as a graduate student serving on a faculty
search committee I had an opportunity to speak freely about candidates. If
we are not in the room when these types of decisions are being made then we
will never see an increase in African American faculty.

In the end I do believe the higher ups in the administration have a
responsibility to serve African Americans and much respect goes to the
students for holding them to that. This will play a major role in changing
the culture of Clemson. But as faculty and staff we must not expect serious
change to take place any time soon. My fear and I also think this is Jordon
fear as well is that if we keep waiting on the university to do something
then we will be waiting forever.  Maybe because we are young and do not
completely understand university politics but when it comes to recruitment
and retention we have the capabilities to do a lot of the work without the
administration assistance. Jordon and I have both watched Juan Gilbert as
graduate students and one thing we learned if you are waiting for the
administration to go out here and recruit and retain African Americans
students and faculty you will be waiting forever. As faculty/staff our best
strategy is to pour our resources into already established  diversity
programs  at Clemson University led by African American faculty/staff or
those who serve as advocates for diversity. We must also be seeking
external funding where we can increase diversity initiatives in our own
college and departments.

-- 
Jerome L. McClendon, Ph.D.
Post Doctoral Researcher | School of Computing, Clemson University
-------------------------------------------------------------
Advisor | Pi Alpha Chapter (Clemson University)
Alpha Phi Alpha

Twitter: @NerdIsIn <https://twitter.com/NerdIsIn>
https://sites.google.com/site/mccleje/

Bobby,My bad I thought I replied to everyone and was not trying to indict
anyone. I just wanted to stand with he kids protest.
Abel

From: Bobby Clark <carlc at clemson.edu>
Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 6:08 PM
To: Abel Bartley <abartly at clemson.edu>
Cc: Bryant Smith <smithcan at mac.com>, Jordon Gilmore <jagilmo at clemson.edu>, "
bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu" <bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested

Abel,

I think you mistakenly replied to me, instead of Dr. Gilmore who wrote the
message, that I commented on. I thought long and hard on whether I should
reply directly to you, Brian, or the whole list. In the end, I am deciding
to comment to the list because I want to support Jordon and others asking
similar questions.

This will be my last comment on the matter in an email.

Since you got me going, let me explain my take to this week’s events. I can
(and do) whole-heartedly support the commitment and sacrifice of the five
people who were arrested for their beliefs. No one denies their efforts
took sacrifice. Nor am I questioning their integrity, intellect, or
responsibility (sincerely, Brian).  However, please don’t question others
who choose to commemorate a person or an idea through "monuments and
plaques" of any type.  They deserved our respect as well.

I am still very troubled by what, I see, is a lack of understanding about
Kings’ Philosophy toward non-violent change.

I am a firm believer in that philosophy and its potential to change minds
and hearts. I have had numerous conversations with faculty, alumni and
staff around this issue. I believe, despite the good intentions of those
involved, the movement is not following King's approach to the detriment of
our (African American) community's opportunity to address the issues at
Clemson. Our goal should be to resolve the issues in best way possible and
bring people together. The preparation necessary for this kind of action
has been missing, in my opinion.

To make a long story short, there are six steps to King’s philosophy (
http://www.thekingcenter.org/king-philosophy) and I believe steps 1 thru4
were skipped and the protest has gone straight to direct action (#5)
without enough thought to reconciliation (#6) (Indeed, Justin asks  "What
is next?"). In fact, the direct action seems to be the only step we are
focusing on, all in the name of “this new kind of movement” and mentality
that “the old ways don’t work anymore". That conclusion is a mistake that
should be - must be pointed out to those leading the “protest”.  I believe
Jordon made a case for that very well – thus my praise.

In case he didn’t, let me point out the dichotomy of the two student
protests happening this week. Students who are enraged about the student
pricing for football games, could have staged a sit-in the same manner as
our students. But their move was to engage their community by doing a
petition which gathered 7,000 supporters. Now I don’t equate the issues of
diversity with football tickets, but I can’t help but wonder which tactics
is more effective. What if our student protesters had done this instead, of
a sit-in? How about before they did a sit-in? How would a petition of
20,000 students have been received?

Jordon is not the only one to see that lack of preparation in the protest.
Perhaps, you and others need to really listen to him and others as they
make similar points.

Given that, I admire you all, in your advocacy, and I will see you all at
the next BG lunch.

Bobby
________________________________
Bobby Clark
Manager, Strategic Licensing Planning
CCIT- Internal Operations | Clemson University
(864) 656-0950 | carlc at clemson.edu

From: Abel Bartley <abartly at clemson.edu>
Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 at 11:26 AM
To: Bobby Clark <carlc at clemson.edu>
Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested

I think you are missing the point. We had Juan Gilbert whose work was next
to none and he had to leave. If we don’t improve the climate we will not be
able to do the groundbreaking work that you think is lacking. We need to
have some say in asset distribution. That means we have to be at the table.
The great work that students faculty and staff are doing is not rewarded
presently, why would it change without some pressure?

From: Bobby Clark <carlc at clemson.edu>
Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 at 11:16 AM
To: Jordon Gilmore <jagilmo at g.clemson.edu>
Cc: Abel Bartley <abartly at clemson.edu>, "bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu"
<bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested

Well said.
Bobby

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 15, 2016, at 11:06 AM, Jordon Gilmore <jagilmo at g.clemson.edu> wrote:

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > I may have a different opinion than most, but I think our primary
objective should be to increase the capital of the black population at
Clemson. The capital at a university is essentially academic in nature. So
that means we need to be making good grades and contributing from a
research standpoint. Are there injustices that need to be addressed?
Certainly, and we should address them. But we make ourselves too easily
dismissed when African Americans are the lowest performing demographic
academically at the university (fact, from an undergrad perspective). Why
can't we march to a study hall? How well attended were the MLK week events?
How many students protesting even knew about the work of Dr. Thomas? The
fact is, we can't only be a community and show solidarity when someone puts
fruit on a sign. What should piss us off more? Fruit on a sign, or the fact
that more than half of black males at Clemson have less than a 2.5 GPA
after their first semester at Clemson. I mean, we live in South Carolina
and we attend a university with a plantation house at the center of campus.
Are we shocked by these bananas? We shouldn't be. We must develop our own
strong community with a culture of excellence and accountability AS WELL AS
stand up to injustice. Let the news cameras come to campus to see the
excellent work we are doing. Not just to see if someone will get arrested.

>
> I don't know, just my two cents.
>
> On Apr 15, 2016 10:49 AM, "Abel Bartley" <abartly at clemson.edu> wrote:

>

> >

> >

> >

> >>

>> I concur! We need more than monuments, and plaques. We need hard quotas.
>> Abel Bartley
>>
>> From: <bgs-list-bounces at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu> on behalf of "Carter,
Justin" <jcarter at swu.edu>
>> Date: Friday, April 15, 2016 at 9:40 AM
>> To: Bryant Smith <smithcan at mac.com>, "Curtis D White Sr." <
CDWHITE at clemson.edu>
>> Cc: "bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu" <
bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
>> Subject: Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested
>>
>> I am very proud of the Clemson 5 and sticking to their beliefs. The
question though is where do students and faculty at Clemson go from here?
>>
>>
>>
>> In your grace,
>>
>> -JC-
>>
>>
*>>*
*>> Justin C. Carter, Ph.D.*
>> Associate Vice-President, Student Life
>> Southern Wesleyan University
>> 907 Wesleyan Drive | Central, SC  29630
>> <864-644-5144>
>> 864-644-5144 <864-644-5144> | 864-644-5901 (fax)
>> www.swu.edu <http://www.swu.edu/>
>>
>>
>> <http://www.facebook.com/southernwesleyanuniversity.central>
>> <image001.jpg>
<http://www.facebook.com/southernwesleyanuniversity.central>  <image002.jpg>
<http://www.twitter.com/SWU_edu>  <image003.jpg>
<http://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19376>  <image004.jpg>
<http://instagram.com/swu_edu>
>>
>>
*>>*
*>> From:* bgs-list-bounces at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu [
mailto:bgs-list-bounces at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu
<bgs-list-bounces at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>]* On Behalf Of* Bryant Smith
*>> Sent:* Thursday, April 14, 2016 6:26 PM
*>> To:* Curtis D White Sr.
*>> Cc:* bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu; omega
*>> Subject:* Re: [Bgs-list] Students arrested
>>
>>
>>
>> The university has just arrested the 5 student protestors for not
leaving Sikes Hall including A.D. And my youngest son.
>>
>> Bryant K. Smith
>>
>> "Human Potential Specialist"
>>
>>
>> On Apr 14, 2016, at 5:12 PM, Curtis D White Sr. <CDWHITE at clemson.edu>
wrote:

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>>>
>>> Stu have been told they will be arrested if they do not lv Sikes Hall
by 5:30. They need your presence & prayers
>>>
>>> C. D. White, Sr.
>>>
>>> Faculty Development & Diversity Coordinator
>>>
>>> Chief Diversity Office
>>>
>>> 218 Long Hall
>>> <864-656-2182>
>>> 864-656-2182 <864-656-2182>😀
>>>
>>>
>>> On Apr 14, 2016, at 11:59 AM, Curtis D White Sr. <CDWHITE at clemson.edu>
wrote:

>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>>>>
>>>> FYI
>>>>
>>>> ________________________________
*>>>>*
*>>>> From:* Altheia Richardson
*>>>> Sent:* Thursday, April 14, 2016 11:27 AM
*>>>> To:* Jerry Knighton; Curtis D White Sr.
*>>>> Subject:* Benardo's Brother
>>>>
>>>> Hey,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I learned a few minutes ago that Benardo’s brother passed away
suddenly and he’s on his way to be with his family.  Just FYI in case you
didn’t already know.  Please pass this along to the BG’s group.
>>>>
>>>>
*>>>>*
*>>>> Altheia*
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Altheia Lesley Richardson
>>>>
>>>> The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center
>>>>
>>>> Clemson University
>>>> 602 University Union
>>>> Box 344058
>>>> Clemson, SC  29634-4058
>>>> Phone: 864-656-7625
>>>> Fax: 864-656-1200
>>>> email:  lalthei at clemson.edu
>>>>
>>>>

>
>
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>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Bgs-list mailing list
>>> Bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu <Bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
>>> https://lists.clemson.edu/mailman/listinfo/bgs-list
<https://lists.clemson.edu/mailman/listinfo/bgs-list>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Bgs-list mailing list
>> Bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu <Bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
>> https://lists.clemson.edu/mailman/listinfo/bgs-list
<https://lists.clemson.edu/mailman/listinfo/bgs-list>
>>

>

> >

> >

> >

> > _______________________________________________

> Bgs-list mailing list
> Bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu <Bgs-list at mailhost.ces.clemson.edu>
> https://lists.clemson.edu/mailman/listinfo/bgs-list
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