This is What a PISSED of Feminist Looks Like

Today there was a mass email sent to faculty, staff, and students at Wright State University. This email informed said parties that earlier a decision was made by Dean Charles Taylor decided to "eliminate the directoships and associated staff positions of the undergraduate interdisciplinary programs, including Women's Studies." All six directors are women in charge of Women's Studies, African American Studies, International Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Science Ed, and Liberal Studies.

This has been described as a "budget" concern. As a Women's Studies student, this is yet another reminder that my work may never be considered valid or important to some. It reminds me that women who work in these fields are viewed as replaceable (not even needing to be replaced) and are expected to carry this workload without thanks or even pay (whom do they think will pick up the slack from ELIMINATING six jobs). Women's Studies literally saved my life during a time where I was severely depressed after my sexual assault. Through feminist theory and classes, I learned how to channel my pain and anger into great work. I learned about bell hooks and Audre Lorde right after reading Jessica Valenti's bad ass works. I learned to see the world for the good and to fight against the bad. As a Women's Studies professor said to me on the phone today, "We don't fight because we think we'll win. We fight because it's right."

This is wrong. These six women matter. Daily, they pour themselves into these jobs. I am ashamed of my university and sad to learn how Wright State feels about women. More than that, I am pissed. I am pissed as hell. And if Wright State wants to see what a pissed off feminist looks like, they'll soon see us...a lot of us. Mobilize. Don't take shit. Use the theory from the classroom and create change with it. These are the women who have changed our lives.

P.S. You can reach Charles Taylor at: charlestaylor@wright.edu or his office at 937-775-2225 170 Millett Hall :)