ABUSUA Questions Goldsmith

To the Editors:

We, the Executive Council of Abusua, Oberlin’s Black Student Organization wish to express our concern regarding Peter Goldsmith and his interactions with people of color communities. Prior to Peter Goldsmith commencing his position as a Dean of Students, a protest was held about his appointment because of the lack of majority student approval. Students questioned his interest and intentions in respect to people of color communities. Upon arriving at Oberlin, Mr. Goldsmith adamantly advocated the implementation of “themed housing” over the established program house system already in tact. It appeared that Mr. Goldsmith did not heavily consider the need for program houses as expressed by a number of students and faculty, particularly those of color and those who benefited from their existence.

Program Houses are central to cultural and social programming that focus on people of color on this campus. Whether coincidentally or implicitly, the reality is that offices related to student life such as Residential Life and Services and the Multicultural Resource Center, over which Mr. Goldsmith presides, have faced major cutbacks over the past few years. Many would also argue that since his tenure commenced, the quality of these offices has declined.

As a College that has a legacy of greatly acting upon the needs and interests of the students, it only seems rational that an administrator of such power would ground his actions and decisions in student interests. As a pluralistic community, we desire a Dean of Student Life and Services who truly understands how to build and maintain a community that welcomes and encourages diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We would also advocate for a dean that is willing to work with students, faculty, and other community members on the improvement of student life. Student life is greatly enhanced by diversity and activities and organizations that promote cultural understanding, and if Oberlin maintains an administration that operates contrary to this, we run the risk of compromising the unique community that Oberlin prides itself in being. As the Executive Council of one of the many student groups on campus, we are simply expressing a concern of our membership and that the impact of Mr. Goldsmith be closely evaluated to insure that the needs of the students are his primary focus.

–Dominique Atchison
College senior
–Khalil House
College senior
–James Anderson
College sophomore
–Michael Singleton
College sophomore
–Treva Lindsey
College sophomore
–Terrance Woodson
College first-year
Executive Council of ABUSUA