Social justice activists, student trustees, ‘29 Who Shine’ recipients, GCC orientation leaders, small business owners, allies and representatives of community colleges in general, future GCC board members (and donors), strong voices throughout the Pioneer Valley, and so much more … These are the students that have also pursued a liberal arts degree with a gender studies option. While we navigated aspects of our lives like being first-generation college students, parenthood, struggling to find a work-life balance on top of our being involved in our community college and class responsibilities, we also choose the direction of challenging ourselves with one of the most important studies that academia has to offer — gender studies. We made the academic choice to be vulnerable, unlearn harmful ways of thinking, and question our own biases. Most people, especially people that look like me, do not want to admit that they contribute to systems of oppression, like racism or ableism.
As a white woman in Massachusetts, I have access to a lot of privileges. And while I have made progress in recognizing how I can be inclusive in all aspects of my life, I still have a ton of work to do! My goal is that with this curriculum under my belt, I can facilitate conversations with those that have not had access to ongoing diversity and inclusion programs like I have. My facilitation will also rid the burden that folks who are oppressed face when they are often looked to, to answer questions and soothe identity fragility.
The fact of the matter is that we do not talk about the importance of educational pathways that are or are similar to gender studies (ex. CRT) enough. Personally, my gender studies curriculum truly changed my life for the better. These areas of study have provided me with a new understanding of the world. I now have the critical thinking skills and social justice lens that most of my peers do not. With this gift, I will strive to continue to advocate and help dismantle oppressive systems.
I see the urgency of giving people long-term access to diversity education. I also recognize the urgency that our society needs to make to uplift and appreciate identities that look different from our own. Finally, I recognize how I would not be the thinker that I am today without access to gender studies curriculums at Greenfield Community College.
My question to those who may want to get rid of or discredit gender studies majors is: We are showing up and are willing to do the work to make our society more equal and equitable for all. So, why would you wish to take this opportunity away from us? Why would you wish to take away the opportunity that is getting our society closer to addressing access gaps? With that, I am specifically urging Greenfield Community College not to ax their gender studies option. Your current students do not want this, your current staff and faculty do not want this, and your alumni do not want this. In lieu of all of the political instability with our government already, this decision will take away wonderful opportunities for students and silence vital voices longer who wish to support our local community.
We are a small but mighty group. After all, without my gender studies courses, I would not have the tools or willingness to write you this letter. A very proud gender studies graduate.
Hannah Graves lives in Turners Falls.