Dear Campus Community,
The first Black Solidarity Day occurred in 1969. It was first observed on the New Paltz campus two years later in 1971; that is to say, we have observed Black Solidarity Day for more than 50 years. Black Solidarity Day occurs each year on the Monday before Election Day, this year on Monday, Nov. 3. Black Solidarity Day invites people of African American and African descent, as well as their friends, colleagues, and allies, to abstain from their regular activities. This peaceful absence demonstrates opposition to racism, as well as social and civil injustices locally, nationally, and globally. It allows time for discussion for everyone, no matter what race or level of education, to reflect on how we all have an impact on each other’s lives. With regards to the election specifically, it allows time to discuss issues that matter and as well as which candidates to support or not.
During the week of Nov. 3, we encourage faculty across all disciplines to consider incorporating materials or discussions that acknowledge and explore African American and African contributions to our collective story. Campus Black Solidarity Day activities are organized by the Black Student Union. The BSU is sponsoring a Black Solidarity Day Vigil on Nov. 2 (beginning at 8 p.m. in the basement of Shango Hall) and a program of events will occur on Nov. 3 at The Academy (33 Academic Street in Poughkeepsie) beginning at 11 a.m. Details can be found on Instagram @bsu.at.np.
Everyone is encouraged to educate themselves and to participate in any way that they can. It is also important to remember that while Black Solidarity Day is a specific date, the activities of the Black Student Union continue throughout the year and deserve support throughout the year. If you are interested in supporting this and other initiatives, please reach out to bsu.newpaltz@gmail.com.
As noted in our syllabi policies, please keep in mind that in observance of Black Solidarity Day and according to New Paltz policy, the following practices apply:
- No tests, quizzes, or graded assignments of any kind should be issued or due on Black Solidarity Day, and
- Students who choose to participate in Black Solidarity Day should notify their professors beforehand and will not be held accountable for absence on that day.
Please also honor requests from student leadership to kindly consider:
- Not counting student absences as part of excused absences or otherwise penalize students via faculty absence policies, and
- Not load up the day following Black Solidarity Day with assignments or tests.
Thank you for your support of this important and long-standing campus tradition. Your support of Black Solidarity Day by honoring our policy as well as attending to the above additional considerations is appreciated not only by me, but by all of our students.
Thanks very much.
Yours sincerely,
William McClure
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
