A meeting between representatives from the Liberate MSU student collective and MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon took place Nov. 30 to discuss the collective’s demands.
Simon sent a letter to the representatives of Liberate MSU who attended the meeting. In her letter, Simon said she understands the need for inclusion, encourages connecting with CORES and COPS and references recent structural changes at MSU.
“In my view, the response provides to CORES and COPS Nov. 19 regarding their list of demands ... addresses some of the concerns you raised,” Simon said in her letter. “While I understand this is not a shared view, I believe it is important to collect and connect the various lists of issues ... as they relate to the same core issues.”
Simon said the installation of the Office of Institutional Equity is a noteworthy structural change and invited students to be a part of the OIE’s plan. Changes in the MSU Police Department were also referenced.
“I invite you to attend a soon-to-be-scheduled town hall to be led by director Ande Durojaiye, who will shape the work plan for OIE,” Simon said. “Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor will head a new bias incident unit within the MSU Police Department.”
Simon said she identifies the themes of conversation and encourages students to continue attending open discussions with Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Denise Maybank and her team.
“I hope you will have questions, ideas and comments framed not as demands, but rather as thoughts that merit further conversation,” Simon said.
Simon said she is willing to schedule another meeting with Liberate MSU representatives in the spring 2016 semester.
Editor's Note: Members of Liberate MSU that The State News attempted to interview for this article declined to give their names, and therefore were not quoted in this story.
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