Shortly after hearing from student voices at Day Of Conversation meetings, the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Black Student Union (BSU) came together to establish a partnership that hopes to advocate for and protect the Rowan student body. The collaboration is representative of a significant step aiming to bridge the gap and uplift the voices of marginalized communities in the Glassboro area. 

“We’ve always admired the work BSU does,” said Yuval Saar, the SGA student trustee and sociology and philosophy major. “Their dedication to meeting student needs and their perseverance—especially with their ten demands—made it clear that even if we faced challenges, we could accomplish a lot for our peers by working together.” 

Through that shared mission, BSU is bringing forth a unique perspective to the table. Recognized under the social justice belonging (SJB) framework, the distinction BSU has from SGA allows them access to co-sponsor events and initiatives that aim to foster and create opportunities for innovative programming and advocacy. 

“Our hope is that we are going to send out invites to administrators who are knowledgeable about certain subject areas. Let them know we want to have these discussions and get these individuals in the same room with people from the Black community, the BSU E[Editorial]-Board, and the SGA Executive Committee,” said Monique Wright, President of the BSU at Rowan. “Through facilitated dialogue, we aim to create a space where meaningful conversations about critical issues can happen.”

The work that members of both BSU and SGA have accomplished thus far is supported and backed by Kha’ Sadler, Ph.D, associate professor provost for wellness and inclusivity at Rowan. Sadler provides insight into both student-run organizations, pulling from her own experiences, and guides student leaders to ensure their efforts have a lasting impact campus-wide.

“BSU’s focus on uplifting minority populations helps highlight areas where SGA can better support students who haven’t historically been recognized by social and political institutions,” said Saar.

Together Saar and Wright are working to establish an environment across the Rowan campus where students are able to have open communication, collectively make decisions, and meaningful progress for the community.

“Collaborations are going to have to be at the forefront of our efforts because we have to unite and work together to implement positive and impactful change on campus,” said Wright.

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