Students at Ithaca College Hold Walkout Over Racial Issues

Students at Ithaca College are taking a stand. Activists are demanding their president step down, due to racial injustice on the campus.

Students at Ithaca College in Upstate, New York staged a walkout due to racial tension and injustice happening on the campus. The walkout demanded the president of the college - Tom Rochon resign from his position. Some believe Rochon has not been handling these reports of racism in the way a president of a campus should.

Racial issues and tension has been growing on the campus. According to CNN,

Ithaca has been rocked recently by several racially charged episodes, including a frat party last month whose invitation urged people to come as "Preps" or "Crooks." The suggested "Preps" attire included a polo shirt, khakis and boat shoes while "Crooks" were to be dressed in "thuggish style" with baggy sweats and "bling." After a flood of complaints, the party was canceled.

Student activists are asking other students and faculty to take a vote on the campus president - 'confidence' or 'no confidence,' and they're asking the votes to be in by November 30th. Even if most vote for 'no confidence' and demand the president step down, there isn't anything actually forcing him to step down, but it will send a message to those in charge and part of the board of the college.

The walkout happened Wednesday (November 11th), with hundreds of students joining in on the protest. Chants, protest signs, and speaking out on the issues continued throughout the afternoon. Just before 3pm the walkout ended, according to 'The Ithacan' and students returned to class.

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