Students at Auburn University at Montgomery pose for a picture in front of the Ida Belle Young library on Feb. 28 to strike against the Alabama SB-129. (Photo captured by Deyundre Graham)
By: Jordan White
Many Auburn University at Montgomery students felt the need to use their voices in late February, by not attending class with a planned strike against the Alabama Senate Bill 129 (SB-129) that was introduced in the Senate to stop funding for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) educational programs.
AUM student and former Spectrum president Reese Overton led other AUM students to speak out against the bill by participating in another strike at the Alabama State Capitol on Feb. 28, using their voices to fight for DEI programs. According to an AL.com report by Rebecca Griesback, the Alabama bill, authored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, prohibits government institutions, including state agencies, public schools and colleges, from funding or sponsoring DEI programs that “advocates for a divisive concept.”
With AUM being a minority-serving institution it is normal for students to be concerned about the state of their clubs and organizations. The SB-129 bill aimed to stop funding for DEI training programs on campus like D9 sororities and fraternities, Spectrum and Black Student Union, including a majority of members who are black, people of color or LGBTQ+. These programs offer a safe place for them to express themselves freely, provide safe spaces, start new friendships and bring awareness to causes on and off campus. This is why AUM students felt the need to use their voices and strike on campus.
Student DEI Officer Justala Simpson said students should not be concerned as of yet. “As of right now, AUM students should not have anything to worry about. We have been promised that programming efforts will not change because much of the funding that comes from our student programs comes from student fees,” Simpson said.
Overton is concerned about the legislation’s effects on having an inclusive campus.. She said, “What made me want to do the protest on AUM’s campus was because it’s not just affecting me and other clubs. It’s also affecting those who aren’t a minority and haven’t fought for their rights before.” Overton and Simpson have been able to help and reassure concerned people about the effects of SB-129 on college campus organizations.
