Hateful Note Received by Student

Dear Students,

In the wake of wonderful recent conversations at Smith about our proud commitment to diversity of all kinds, I am very disheartened to tell you that a student has received a hateful anonymous note. The racism and homophobia reflected in the note is entirely unacceptable, especially at Smith where we strive to create a community that embraces difference. An investigation is under way. Please join me in condemning this cowardly behavior and doing everything you can to promote respectful communication.

Sincerely,

Maureen A. Mahoney
Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life
Smith College
College Hall 203
Northampton, MA 01063

What the what? Can’t we just be civil?? Really hoping that this was not from a Smithie…

A Tree For Emma Coleman ’15

From Jean Hoffheimer, ’14:

I am working with a group of Smith students to raise money to commemorate Emma Coleman ’15. We just launched a fundraising website to pay for a memorial tree (and bench, hopefully, if we raise enough money…)

Unfortunately, since we aren’t a Spurzem, we don’t have the funds or husbands to raise the money alone. Please note that this is NOT the initiative of a few of her close friends. Everyone in the extended community lost a valuable individual, and donating even $1 is a huge show of support. Anything and everything is an incredible donation, no matter how little.

More info here.

Harlem via Peru, rapper Immortal Technique comes to Pearl Street March 16th

If you’re staying in Noho for spring break, or just not leaving immediately after classes end on Friday, we have some exciting news for ya. Immortal Technique (!!!) plus DJ G.I. Joe and Chino XL are coming to town on Friday, March 16th:
In music, as in politics and religion, militarism is often an effective vehicle for impressing one’s message — just ask Felipe Andres Coronel. Born in a military hospital in Lima, Peru, and brought up on the streets of Harlem during the “Golden Age” of hip-hop, the rapper made a name for himself as a champion battle emcee whose rhymes reflected the political and physical violence of the world around him. Self-releasing his first album, Revolutionary Vol. I, under the name Immortal Technique in 2001, Coronel elevated himself above the noise level with visceral storytelling and a focus beyond the sybaritic pursuits typically associated with the rap game. Corporate imperialism, xenophobia, poverty, rape, institutional racism, religious hegemony: these are but a few of the ideas he challenges with his songs.

The political landscape may have changed in the decade since Coronel began his recording career, but his willingness to confront key issues has not. With four studio albums now under his belt, including the release of last year’s The Martyr, Immortal Technique remains unsigned to any label (though his latest is on the politcically engaged Viper Records and retains full control over his music and collaborations (the latter including a partnership with Omeid International to build an orphanage in Afghanistan).

when: Friday, 3/16 @ 9:00 pm

where: Pearl Street Ballroom

cost: $15 advance / $20 door (tickets available here)

TOMORROW: Fair Trade and Human Rights Panel

What is “Fair Trade”? What really are the benefits to purchasing Fair Trade goods? Is it worth shelling out the extra cash?

Smith Professor Lisa Armstrong and local activist Dan Finn will speak about Fair Trade, the issues associated with it, how it is related to human rights issues, and why companies and consumers might choose to use fair trade products.

when: Tuesday, 3/6 @ 4:00 pm

where: Neilson Browsing Room

cost: free!

TODAY: Careers in Sex Panel

Joiner's sex-positive, woman-friendly sex shop in Oakland

Bet the CDO didn’t think to send this out to their listserv…

Careers in Sex Panel featuring Sinclair Sexsmith of Sugarbutch Chronicles, award winning adult film director and business owner Nenna Joiner, and adult film star Jiz Lee.

Come on down to Stoddard Hall tonight at 7:00 to learn about their career paths and ask any questions you may have.

For more info, check out the Smith PSE Facebook

An Open Letter to Snow

The blue areas represent snow. Cool.

Dear Snow,

Where were you all winter? We missed you dearly whenever we thought of skiing, sledding, or snow-angel making. Without your presence, we here at Smith grew accustomed to dry sidewalks that don’t smell like soy sauce. It’s Leap Day now, and Spring Break is in almost two weeks. Honestly, snow, you had your chance and you are no longer welcome here. We all enjoyed your little Leap Day prank but this has got to stop.

Sincerely,

minkandvelvet

SEXtravaganza Presents…Sinclair Sexsmith!

“Pearls, Cashmere, Amherst Men” makes Jezebel!

click through for the article–

UPDATE: An Open Letter to the Smith Community from Carol Christ

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Carol T. Christ

We’re proud too, Carol.

On Being a Bunch Of Poor Minority Lesbian Ivy League Rejects.

Editor’s note: This is a response to a Letter to the Editor featured in this week’s issue of the Sophian. You can find the original letter here.

from anonymous:

Ms. Spurzem’s letter to the editor in this week’s Sophian shocked me. Not only does it reflect poorly on her as an individual, but also it speaks horribly for the Smithies of Westchester/Fairfield and pretty much all white Smith students (current and former) for that matter. It really is strange to see someone who is the president of a Smith College Club talking so poorly of her alma mater. I grew up in Southern Westchester and went to a private school there and I could not feel more ashamed of a Smithie from my area. Her condescending, elitist attitude is truly disturbing.

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