"I feel like it's been a terrible, terrible two weeks,” said Sarah F., a Syracuse University student. “I feel like it's just going to explode at this point."
A sense of disgust and distress is felt by many Syracuse University students as the number of racist incidents continue to rise.
"I don't know who it is, but I feel like it's getting a little crazy right now," said Sarah.
Dozens of students have been participating in a sit-in at the Barnes Center. Protesters want a list of demands met that include:
- Expulsion for every student involved with the racist incidents and the hate crimes committed in Day Hall
- Improving the curriculum to address current diversity issues
- Mandatory diversity training for faculty and staff
- Hiring more counselors to represent marginalized groups on campus
The administration responded to their list Tuesday with potential solutions and the university representatives responsible for the changes. They say they'll address the urgent demands first, such as revising the Code of Student Conduct and implementing it no later than August.
"It's way too late,” said Sarah. “We need to have the Student Code of Conduct within a month."
The university also plans on:
- Using more than $1 million for education development
- Reforming diversity curriculum
- Creating an inclusive environment for all students
- Hiring additional staff in areas of concern
"I think we need to do a lot more,” said Sarah.
It’s a sentiment shared by demonstrators and other students, who say the response is too vague and a repeat of the past.