By Kelly Kultys
Christopher Rodgers, assistant vice president and dean of students, met face-to-face with representatives of the SAGES coalition last week for the first time. Since the group’s dramatic introduction to the campus and its “condom drop” at President’s Ball, Rodgers has expressed interest in a discussion with the group. Rachel Field, FCRH’15 and SAGES organizer, said their first meeting went well.
“We didn’t want to meet with Dean Rodgers initially, and what that means is that we wanted to have a substantial student base to meet with him,” Field said. “We want to talk on behalf of as many students as we possible can.”
Rodgers was eager to meet with the coalition once they initiated contact.
“After a few weeks of good-natured jousting on social media and back and forth in other venues, I was grateful for the opportunity to talk in-person with the group,” Rodgers said via email. “It’s important for us to have the opportunity to listen carefully to the questions and concerns these very committed students raise.”
Primarily, these concerns include providing free, confidential access, to birth control and a free speech zone on campus.
“The goal of our campaign in general is about student power,” Field said.
Field said the coalition’s campaign hopes to promote a culture of activism where students feel that they can challenge policies they do not support.
“What we’re trying to get across is that there’s no need to be afraid,” Field said.
The next item on SAGES’ agenda is a protest, scheduled for Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m. around 60th and Columbus.
“This is a public protest, this is not on Fordham’s property,” Field said.
Women Organized to Resist and Defend (W.O.R.D.) is hosting the protest, which will be right outside Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. Field said other non-university affiliated organizations are scheduled to attend.
“Planned Parenthood is confirmed to be there,” Field said.
She also mentioned that African Ancestral Lesbians United For Social Change (A.A.L.U.S.C.) and New York City Youth Leadership Services would be in attendance. According to Field, students who want to attend the protest from Rose Hill can meet for a 3:30 p.m. Ram Van ride if they have issues getting transportation to the event. She hopes they can get as many participants as possible.
“I think that the protest is going to up the pressure on the administration to listen to the students,” Field said.
Still, she is happy with the current progress. “They’re taking us very seriously,” Field said.
Rodgers agreed the coalition has raised important concerns.
“We are talking about critical issues for any community,” Rodgers said. “While we may not agree on everything, I hope to focus on finding common ground — I can see some already — and Dean [Alanna] Nolan and I will be working to connect the students with answers on some of the many questions posed.”
Field said that SAGES wants to have an open dialogue sometime before the end of the semester on both campuses.
“We’re going to invite administrators to come,” Field said. “It’s going to be student-run, student-led.”
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Kelly Kultys is the Editor-in-Chief for The Fordham Ram.