Above: Members of BSU pose for a group photo at their Annual Big XII Conference on Black Student Government in February 2025. Photo courtesy of Brandi Crawley.
An SAU cultural club says they aim to prove they will not be discouraged amidst recent closure of SAU’s D.E.I office. As the semester comes to an end, the Black Student Union (BSU) says they will solidify their mission, identity, and impact on campus.
Click here to read more about the the closure of the DEI office.
About a dozen student clubs on the SAU campus fall under the former Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I) office’s umbrella. Among the few organizations is the Black Student Union.
Following pressure from the state of Iowa, that umbrella is now closed— leaving some clubs without support like funding, advocacy, and outreach says former Student D.E.I. Ambassador.
“It’s low-key sad that our safety net is gone, especially with Fritz [Dieudonné] and [Ryan] Saddler being like family to us,” expresses BSU Secretary Samia Juma.
“I’m glad that students have been given reassurance from President Novak that D.E.I remains in the core values of this university. There are many schools that don’t have this kind of certainty.”
“We really have to hold our own, and hope that we can still do what needs to be done,” adds Junior Pernell Carter.
While uncertainty is still present, resilience is evidently at the heart of the BSU.
“Resilience is already a part of us. One of our goals as an executive board and club is to just encourage others to keep pushing forward, as well,” reveals Kayla Knox, BSU Treasurer. “The systems that some of these lawmakers are trying to put in place to get rid of us will not silence us.”
“I think we are now seeing a more serious side of the club. We still laugh and have fun, but we are more determined to keep the club moving forward,” adds freshman Leavell Windfield.
”We are considering this a minor setback for a major comeback. Going forward, everything needs to be intentional. We need to move intentionally, network intentionally, and advocate intentionally,” explains BSU Vice President Yulnia Davis-Green.
To continue to push their agenda, the BSU announces their upcoming event.
“There is so much going on in this country recently. More than ever, this campus needs to unite — regardless of color, ethnicity, gender, preferences or background,” urges BSU President Ariee Williams.
“We welcome everyone to join us for our Unity March. We will have some awesome speakers from the Ambrose community to keep us encouraged and uplifted!”
The Black Student Union’s 6th Annual Unity March took place on April 30th on the Rogalski Center lawn from 2pm – 3pm.
Brandi Crawley is a staff writer for The Buzz.
