The fact is, September 22 does not mark the date on which Allan
Nosworthy, or any other marginalized student on the Iowa State
University campus, commenced losing the nutrition and sustenance
necessary to carry out the everyday activities of a college student.
You see, marginalized students on the ISU campus have been facing
starvation (non-consentual) throughout the history of the institution.
I'll spare the reader a laundry list, though looking at Allan's requests
should give some idea of the lack of sustenance available to programs
which would provide a healthy learning environment for all of ISU's
students.
September 22 marks a date on which one student, in all disrespect to
the
powers that be, took control of his own health, body, and learning
environment. The climate of starvation has not changed between
September 21 and September 22. That which has changed is that
rather
than allow racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, ableism and oppression
to control the climate of starvation, Allan Nosworthy has seized power
to maintain his physical, mental, and spiritual environment.
Starvation
is most definatly a matter of power and control. The difference
between
self-starvation and living in Mother Hubbard's kitchen is who holds
the
power.
And now several ISU administrators have expressed concern for Allan's
health? Could this possibly be a concern that a student is seizing
power over himself, over his own life, rather than allow the
administration said power? I know, that statement almost sounds
like it
comes from an extreme skeptic afflicted by paranoia. It's just...well,
I wouldn't mention it, or even think it...except that I remember the
lack of concern for our health just last Spring when several September
29th Movement members were facing the threat of punishment for having
peacefully demonstrated in Beardshear Hall. The stress of this
ordeal
caused many of us to not be able to eat, to hold the food down when
we
did eat, or to sleep. In fact, some of us received medical attention
for problems caused by the stress. Now, please correct me if
I'm wrong,
but this went on for months and I don't recall a deep concern for our
physical or mental well-being on the part of ISU administration.
But let me, for just this moment, give ISU administrators the benefit
of
the doubt and pose the following suggestion. If indeed there is a deep
concern for the starvation of an ISU student, look around and see the
thousands of students on your campus starving and thirsting for the
programs which will quench their desire for an education. Now you see
it? ACT. Now you don't. It's really that simple.
I'm a graduate of ISU's Master's program. I consider myself fortunateand
successful for having been able to attend college at all let alone
with a high GPA and awards for my success.
But could I have gotten more out of my education? You bet.
Having to spend time worrying about/dealing with safety, homophobia,
transgenderphobia, and sexism most certainly gave me an education;
but
it wasn't necessarily the education I was paying for and certainly
not
the same one non-marginalized students paid for (I'm still waiting
for
my discounted money back). Unless ISU is willing to go to a sliding
pay
scale, all students deserve the same access to an education.
If this is
not provided, I hope students will join Allan in whatever ways possible
to take control of their bodies, their lives, and their educations.
And Allan, lunch is on me...sending you all the sustenance I can muster.
A.D. Selha
A September 29th Movement Alumnus/On-going Agitator