The University of Memphis's annual 'Fun at the Fountain' tradition kicked off the first day of classes Monday, but the event was overshadowed by students protesting the closure of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Hundreds of students gathered at the fountain for the yearly tradition of the university President running through the water to signify the start of the school year. Attendees were treated to a performance by The Mighty Sound of the South band and free Mempops as the festivities were underway.
University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave sharing a laugh with SGA President Chris Bailey after running through the fountain.
However, the event was punctuated by a message of frustration sent by student protestors in attendance. Not far from the spray of water stood dozens of students from various organizations including Empowered Men of Color, the NAACP, and the Black Students Association wearing black business attire to silently protest the closure of the Office of Multicultural Affairs last week.
"Today, everyone who is affected by the dissolution of the Office of Multicultural Affairs came today dressed in a business professional all black to represent the loss that we faced," said Maya Mitchell, VP of the Black Students Association. "We came today to show our solidarity for everyone who lost their jobs and for everyone who is having to scramble to find new advisors and sponsors because the office was a cushion for all of us."
The university has cited compliance with Tennessee's new 'Dismantling DEI Departments Act' as the reason for the closing of the office. The law, which was signed earlier this year in May, prohibits government agencies and public institutions from creating departments that work to boost diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Students and alumni have been very outspoken about the university's decision, with many posts on social media criticizing the administration for moving too quickly to dismantle the office. Several pointed to how other Tennessee universities have responded differently. At Middle Tennessee State University, for example, the university closed their Intercultural & Diversity Affairs Center without terminating staff.
"It's one thing to show up in solidarity wearing black, but what what happens after this event is ended?" said Tariq Wilkins, a member of Empowered Men of Color and the Black Students Association. "It's a totally different thing to show up to figure out how we can fill the gap that's left wide open because of Multicultural Affairs. Supporting each other, finding opportunities to build our leadership skills and use our talents so we can support the campus on a bigger scale."
University officials have not released a plan about how students previously served by the closed office will receive support going forward. In a statement sent to students on Sunday, President Bill Hardgrave and SGA President Chris Bailey said the university is "committed to navigating these changes together to ensure that our students continue to feel welcome, supported and connected to the Tiger community".
"I'm really proud of us for coming together and for not scrambling like they wanted us to do, for thinking strategically and finding solutions for what they're trying to create a problem for," said Mitchell. "This is not the end, it's literally just the beginning."
The Organizing Committee of United Campus Workers in collaboration with Tigers Against Pollution has announced in a statement that there will be a protest demanding the re-hiring of former employees of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. It will take place on Thursday, August 28, at 12 p.m. at the Student Plaza.
Jaylon Lee Hawkins is the Managing Editor of The Daily Helmsman. He can be contacted at jlhwkns3@memphis.edu.
Paige Stallworth contributed to this article.
University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave, joined by students, runs through the campus fountain Monday as part of the university’s back-to-school tradition.
I am a junior Journalism major with an emphasis in Broadcasting. I’ve reported for The Daily Helmsman for two years and currently serve as the Managing Editor, overseeing coverage and guiding our newsroom’s editorial direction.
