On February 18, 2017, Garrison Hayes (the student chaplain for Andrews at the time) posted a video titled “#ItIsTimeAU” to his Facebook account. The video served as a “PSA expressing the concerns and experiences of Black students at Andrews University.” Students and other AU affiliates in the video called for the University to 1) formally acknowledge and apologize for a history of wrongs done against Black students at Andrews and 2) provide proof of plans that will be made to correct these wrongs and move forward in a new direction. It was stated in the video that “It is time for Andrews University to apologize for the systemic racism it has perpetuated on its campus.” The students brought up issues like a history of forced segregation in the Andrews cafeteria and a lack of ethnic diversity in faculty and administration. It was expressed that grievances brought forward throughout the years had been met, all too often, with silence. “You would think that after 143 years, a faith-based university would feel compelled to follow the biblical counsel on reconciliation. [...] You would think it would have already said, ‘I’m sorry.’” #ItIsTimeAU gave the University one week to respond to their concerns.
The university administration responded within the week with a video titled “Listen. Dialogue. Change.” In the video, former President Andrea Luxton and other administrators, including the provost and vice presidents, apologized on behalf of the institution and expressed their commitment to reconcile and change the narrative. President Luxton also gave a verbal response during the university-wide chapel service that week, expressing her understanding of the heart of Christ’s ministry in relation to the situation. She said, “When He sees someone hurting, He reaches out to the hurt, and He says: ‘This is my first responsibility: It is to heal.’” A recording of this presentation can be found here.
#ItIsTimeAU served to be a catalyzing force for change on our campus. This powerful initiative not only shined a light on systemic racism at AU, but also gave platform to a broader conversation about the importance of free speech on campus. Examining the impact of this video provides a lens through which we can understand the role of free speech in fostering positive change within academic institutions. Notable changes that came in the wake of this video included the creation of the position of vice president for Diversity, required diversity training for faculty, staff and students, and a strengthening of the grievance process. The administration outlined their commitments in this letter.
There are countless other instances across the world where students have used their voices to advocate change. It is utterly important that administrators provide the space and resources for the ultimate upliftment of students' voices. Free speech is not merely a legal right but a cornerstone of both academic and societal progress. It fosters an environment where ideas can be tested, refined, and ultimately strengthened through authentic discourse.
Looking forward, it is important that we encourage each other to engage with our right to free speech. In doing so, we have the ability to create the world we want to see.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.