The Women of Color Coalition (WOCC) works to create unity across boundaries that have been both internally and externally constructed to oppress, but that have also empowered women of color to build pride. This Coalition gives voice and strength to experiences that are often marginalized. It will foster self-reflection and awareness of issues that affect women of color at Cornell and in the broader world.
“If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” -Malcolm X While many celebrated this country’s Independence Day earlier this week, the tragic deaths of Alton Sterling and Philander Castile at the hands of law enforcement reveal that all do not still hold the right to the “preservation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Black and Brown women, men, children continue to be killed by those who have sworn to protect and serve our communities. The Women of Color Coalition stands in solidarity with the Castile and Sterling families, and all other families who have lost loved ones to police brutality. To our Black and Brown friends and dear ones: Protect your hearts and your mental space. We support and stand with you. To our Allies: Something more is required of all of us now. Silence is no longer an option. You cannot separate yourself from this issue. We are all accountable in ending the continued injustices that Black and Brown communities face.
Statement Regarding the Orlando Incident
CW: Orlando Incident, gun violence, homophobia, xenophobia With heavy hearts and sullen spirits, the members of WOCC grieve for the lives lost, scarred, and violated in the recent shooting at Orlando’s Pulse, a gay nightclub. For a barbaric act of violence to taint LGBT Pride Month, claiming primarily Latinx and Black victims, is both distressing and infuriating. The identified gunman, Omar Mateen, pledged his allegiance to the senseless, destructive force of hatred. Consciously, let us not allow this incident of domestic terrorism to steer us towards xenophobia or Islamophobia. To the LGBTQ+ community, to the families of the deceased, to the Muslims who are being unfairly criminalized, to all those who feel robbed of safety and security: we see the magnitude of this tragedy and share in your trauma. The worst mass-shooting in American history has specifically targeted the LGBTQ+ community, and this fact cannot be drowned in a sea of political accusations and theories. Hatred is taught. Instead, join us in teaching acceptance, compassion, and love. It is our sincere hope that members of the LGBTQ+ community can remain steadfast in its pillars of identity and inclusion.
Statement Regarding the Brock Turner Case
Content Warnings: Rape, Sexual Assault, Racism, Sexism “I think he will not be a danger to others.” —Judge Aaron Persky on former Stanford Swimmer Brock Turner, who is now identifiable not by his athletic or academic records, but by his criminal record. Turner, a white male aged 20 years, was recently prosecuted for raping an intoxicated and unconscious 23 year-old woman. The discussion of Brock Turner admittedly competes with the discussion of the victim; however, the victim remains anonymous to distance herself from further apathy, blame, and criticism. Presently, the media hesitates to label Brock Turner a rapist, balances his crimes with equal spotlight on his remorse, and circulates images of him clad in suit and tie. In doing so, it offends not only Turner's victim, but also the peripheral victims of institutionalized racism and sexism, who are rarely extended such gracious portrayals in the news. We, the Women of Color at Cornell University, are sisters of the unnamed victim of Brock Turner. We do not defend Turner's crimes on account of his background, as is the norm. We recognize the larger implications of this case in communities of race and gender. We acknowledge the injustice in Brock Turner’s sentence to six months of jail time, both in its failure to match the suffering of his victim and in its inconsistency with prior sentences for non-white perpetrators. Here, the victim’s letter to her rapist is printed in full: https://www.buzzfeed.com/…/heres-the-powerful-letter-the-st… To Fellow Cornellians: let us be reminded to exercise caution and consideration in all ventures with each other, in all settings. Together, we can create and sustain a safe environment for all students on campus.