Blackout demonstration happening today in solidarity with Mizzou
12:15pm at Gasson Hall
An event on Facebook, “Blackout: Mizzou We Stand With You,” urges students to wear black today in support of the students at Missouri.
Comments on the event asked if there would be an organized walk-out in addition to a blackout.
As the event is set for 12:15pm at Gasson Hall, students would leave their Thursday noon class to participate in an organized gathering.
Nationally, students are gathering on their respective campuses at 12:30pm.
One student wrote: “Are we supposed to wear all black generally throughout the day, or is there some sort of coordinated walk going on?”
The event is hosted by senior Afua Laast, UGBC’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion.
In a Facebook post, Afua said: “For transparency purposes, I want to let you know that I have not registered any demonstration so right now plan on just wearing black.
“That being said I am emailing administrators to schedule an appointment in the morning to register this event for 12:15pm.”
The Student Code of Conduct allows all protests if submitted 48 hours in advance to the Dean of Students.
Boston College is particularly strict on this regulation – many students who participated in the December 2014 die-in at St. Mary’s were not allowed to walk at graduation as a result of the demonstration.
One student commented in the Facebook event: “Still don’t get why we have to register a demonstration. S/o to BC for not understanding the definition of a demonstration.”
Another added below: “I’m going to be there. I’m wearing black and going. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do.”
The event description says: “With the happenings at University of Missouri, Ithaca college, Yale, American University, and countless other universities nationally and internationally, it is vital to fight against covert and overt racism in all places of education and empowerment.
“All students, faculty, admin, and staff are strongly encouraged to participate [and] wear all black.
“We are doing this to show our solidarity with students of color struggling with racial prejudice and death threats. From Boston to Mizzou, we stand with you.”