Did Protect UMD Fail? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Did Protect UMD Fail?

Student advocate perspective on Protect UMD.

202
Did Protect UMD Fail?
Youtube

Protect UMD was a coalition of various student groups from marginalized identities. This included American Indian, Black, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, undocumented and much more. This coalition was formed in response to the November 2016 election. The question remains nearly a full year from its inception: Did Protect UMD fail?

Yes and No.

If you were to view it from a UMD student perspective: Yes. The 68 coalition demands that were presented to the University of Maryland back in November was met with ridicule and doubt. Some of the demands were ambitious, and some seemed outrageous. As seen on the subreddit for University of Maryland (r/UMD), the discussion about “increased mental health support and resources for students of color” dated 9 months ago honestly showed skepticism. As a social activist myself, I was disconnected from Reddit entirely and was focused earnestly to be part of Protect UMD.

However, the first few meetings were met with interesting dialogue but then slowly but surely it resulted in little to no action from the student body nor the administration. The administration was unresponsive. At the same time, the dialogue was revolving around whether we should give more air time and dialogue space to those who supported Trump. Soon, it became clear that each of these student groups in their own little niches was unable to come together. They were unable to compromise over the differences each of the student groups on campus had. Some student groups were upset that they were not included in the demands. It honestly looked like the campus was dividing. As the coalition was formed quickly, it quickly fell into memory. Many students wondered what happened to the coalition.

But something happened, something that was very traumatic.

The death of Lt. Collins. I will not get into the details surrounding his death nor will I speculate on the murder. However, different student groups from all sides of the political spectrum were shocked. The campus was glum. Especially when many students already left campus to go home for the summer. However, this time the conversation continued beyond meetings and social media activism. When I arrived on campus to work at my internship at the Leadership Community Service Learning office (LCSL), I learned about a safe space discussion with ODI and counseling center. It was literally all last minute. However, when I went to the discussion, I was surprised to see STAMP workers, faculty, a student-athlete and students.

Never in my time here on UMD would I imagine such a diverse set of people in one room all sharing how they felt. It was revealing that a student-athlete felt like they were the only colored person in the athletics department and little to no dialogue was occurring. The STAMP worker, in a worried tone, said that she wants her son to come to UMD but she is scared for him now. The faculty member wondered whether they didn’t do enough to prevent Lt.Collin’s murder. One of the students disclosed that they never realized this would happen on their campus, as they chose to come to this university to have fun.

This person was a freshman student.

Their experience to end their freshmen year was a murder of a man who wanted to serve his country.

A man who came from a different university to spend some time with his community and enjoy the College Park experience.

A man who was beloved not only on the campus he was from, but on this campus too.

His death caused many student groups to reach out to each other to figure out what to do. I began to notice many student groups from marginalized communities and traditionally established student groups working together in their own individual manner to continue the dialogue.

Essentially, it was to make sure Lt. Collin’s death was not wasted like Protect UMD. To make sure the rest of the City of College Park knows that this University cares about this murder. To make sure the rest of nation knew that UMD was not going to be silent.. To make sure silence was turned into action.

So in my personal opinion, I believe the answer lies in the middle: Maybe. Protect UMD was only able to meet some of the demands, while some were ignored. However, it did bridge the communities of our campus together and engage in dialogue that was never before seen on this campus.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

179986
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7036
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452352
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23224
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments