Dear Editor,
To the University of La Verne and all associated administration:
The original formulation of this institution was Lordsburg College, created by the Christian denomination the Church of the Brethren. This progressive denomination has embraced LGBTQ+ members, staunchly maintained a commitment to peace, and supported women’s suffrage. This very foundation must now guide the institution that so many of us now call home.
Throughout its 135-year history, the University of La Verne has flourished into one of the preeminent Hispanic-Serving Institutions in California, hosting a diverse student body from a myriad of backgrounds. Yet for all its accomplishments, there still remains an issue which requires immediate attention: Those residing in Vista La Verne residence hall have near-zero access to readily available and free menstrual products. This is in contrast to Citrus residence hall, where each and every floor contains a dispenser for use by students in need.
This stands at odds with the stated values of the University, which the mission explicitly states are: “lifelong learning, ethical reasoning, diversity and inclusivity, racial justice, peace-minded nonviolent reconciliation, and community and civic engagement.” How can this institution profess a commitment to ethical reasoning while a portion of its student body is treated differently? How can this student body serve its community when basic biological needs are not being met? What message does one receive when moving from Citrus to Vista? This is not a call for the University to rescind a commitment it has already made; it is a charge to take its values seriously.
This letter serves as a request of reaffirmation– a statement which calls upon the university to affirm its commitment to its student body and honor the freedoms that its founders fought for. Commitment is not measured by what one has done; it is demonstrated through continuous action– through the willingness to show up and address the needs of the community when they arise. I therefore request:
– A formal statement of commitment from all related departments to the installation of menstrual product dispensers and further supply of menstrual products in the laundry rooms on all floors of Vista Residence Hall by March 30.
– A following statement detailing a roadmap through which the preceding commitment will be effectuated by April 10.
Only together, through action and compassion, can we live up to the ideals we profess and the foundation upon which this institution stands.
An ongoing list of students is currently signing a petition.
Anthony Boothby, founder and president, Leos For Choice
Marquisha Frost, associate vice president for inclusive excellence and mission integration
Daniel L. Loera, director of multicultural affairs
John Bartelt III, professor of education
Linda Bartelt, adjunct professor of education
Elaine Padilla, professor and chair, philosophy and religion
Jason Neidleman, professor of political science
Johnna Christian, associate professor of sociology
Alessandro Morosin, assistant professor of sociology and criminology
Merari Hernandez, treasurer, Leos For Choice
Patil Tajerian, secretary, Leos for Choice
Sophie Santana, president, Latino Student Forum
Aryln Mora, vice president, Latino Student Forum
Alexis Chavez, director of marketing, Latino Student Forum
Kesia Lomaquintero, treasurer, Latino Student Forum
Matthew Marquez, president, ULV Pride Coalition
Verena Phan, vice president, ULV Pride Coalition; president, Asian American Pacific Islander Club
Helen Bravo, treasurer, ULV Pride Coalition
Nathan Garcia, secretary, ULV Pride Coalition
Preston Lieu, vice president, Asian American Pacific Islander Club
Jake Wade, secretary, Asian American Pacific Islander Club, social media coordinator, Future Educators Club
Emily Aldana, president, ULV English Club
Madison Arbid, vice president, ULV English Club
Maya Coles, secretary, ULV English Club
Jesus Velazquez, treasurer, ULV English Club
Kira Annis, vice president, Sisters of Essence
Skylar Patterson, social media chair, Sisters of Essence
Samantha Nunez, secretary, ULV Pre-Vet Club
Miranda Garcia, treasurer, ULV Pre-Vet Club
Haylee Hewton, president, Women in Tech
Shiza Yasar, publicist, Women in Tech
