SDS National Statement Against White Supremacy
In the past few days, HBCUs, Black student groups, and cultural organizations across the country have received threats from right wing white supremacists. While these threats and attacks come in light of the killing of Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, these events highlight a much deeper problem that lies in our society. Systematic racism and white supremacy continue to plague us, and the Trump administration encourages hate and violence against our black community.
Students for a Democratic Society continues to stand firmly against white supremacy and the recent threats to the black community generally but specifically to Historically Black College/Universities namely Hampton University, Virginia State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Alabama State University, Spellman College, and Southern University and A&M College. SDS has a rich history of protesting white supremacists including taking part in the counter-protest such as the shut down of the national KKK gathering in Stone Mountain, Georgia in 2016 or in Charlottesville, Virginia where we participated in counter-protesting the gathering of neo-natzis, former Klansmen, and other white supremacist who were protesting the removal of a General Robert E. Lee statue. From old SDS to new SDS we have stood steadfast in our commitment to the end of this racist system that represses people of color and uplifts white supremacists. This is an ongoing fight that students have a major role to play in. This is a fight that can be won and it must be won.
On September 11, HBCUs across the south initiated “stay-in-place” orders or shut down operations in response to coordinated racist death threats, some referencing a manifesto that has also been sent to black students all over the country outlining horrifically graphic gun violence targeted at them. This is not the first time universities have experienced threats like this and they are not random. These are intentional, targeted attacks aimed to silence, scare, and intimidate black people.
Universities, big or small, hold influence and it is their duty to not only denounce hateful acts such as these but to also name the source of these evils: white supremacy and systemic racism. Likewise, it is our duty as students to hold our universities accountable.
National Students for a Democratic Society condemns these acts of anti-black racism being perpetuated through white supremacy, and stands with the HBCUs facing attacks right now. National SDS calls upon all chapters to be outspoken and mobilize students against white supremacy. We will never achieve a more equitable world by just standing by. Students across the country should be prepared to protest white supremacist rallies or gatherings in their area. When we dare to fight back against racists we dare to win a more just and equitable world!