Dear Bucknellians,
This year, Her Campus Bucknell is making some changes. We are a publication that is supposed to give a voice to the women on this campus; however, we have failed to give that voice to all women. We are guilty of not recognizing the true diversity of female identities at Bucknell. It is too easy for Bucknellians to assume that everyone must fit into the cisgender, heterosexual, middle/upper class, white norm. As a publication, we have often assumed that our audience falls into this norm. In making this assumption, we are overlooking the diversity of female identities that do in fact exist on this campus. We believe it is time that Her Campus Bucknell recognizes and gives a voice to all of the beautifully diverse female identities on this campus.
In reality, this norm of the “typical Bucknell woman” only exists as long as we believe that it exists. We create the culture that we live in on this campus and therefore have the power to change it. Having a platform to facilitate such a change gives us the huge responsibility of making sure that our articles work to dismantle these norms. Our goal is to make Her Campus Bucknell an inclusive space where all female identities are accepted and celebrated. To pursue this goal, we have made a set of guidelines to follow in order to make our articles as inclusive as possible. However, we also believe that these guidelines can be applied to the overall Bucknell community.
- Do not make assumptions or generalizations. It is very easy to assume that all Bucknellians come from the same background, have the same experiences and do the same things on campus. However, in reality, there are many identities on this campus that differ from the norm, and we must not glaze over them by making generalizations about the Bucknell community.
- Use inclusive language. Language is an incredibly important tool for creating a positive and inclusive space. It does not just reflect reality; it shapes it. We must use terms that include all identities and do not perpetuate any harmful binaries. Inclusive language recognizes and validates identities that are often overlooked.
- Be not just a feminist, but an intersectional feminist. We strive to be feminists who recognize the complex identities of all women. We must acknowledge that there are overlapping systems of oppression that affect women differently based upon their identities. In addition, we recognize that there is no one way to be a feminist. The different ways in which individuals express their femininity does not make them any more or less feminist.
- Always support other women. It is incredibly important for women on this campus to build each other up. We must stop policing each other into fitting the “Bucknell woman” stereotype. Celebrate each other, respect each other, and always support each other.
- Be willing to make mistakes. Talking about issues regarding diversity can be uncomfortable. However, we must be willing to be uncomfortable and to make mistakes in order to make any progress. We must challenge ourselves to engage in perspectives that differ from our own.
- Understand your power to facilitate change. It is too easy to be cynical about the culture on this campus and give up on any possibility for change. However, by using inclusive language, recognizing the diversity of identities on Bucknell’s campus and challenging the norm, we have the power to change Bucknell for the better.
We recognize that creating these guidelines is not enough to facilitate positive change on this campus. We must live out these guidelines not only in our articles, but also in our interactions with fellow Bucknellians. In dispelling our cultural assumptions, we have the power to change not only how we view others, but also how we view ourselves on this campus.
In the pursuit of this goal we implore you, the Bucknell community, to let us know your thoughts. We are open to article suggestions, critiques, guest writers, and any ideas that can help us become more immersed in the true diversity on this campus. Campus Correspondents Amanda Relick and Grace Carita are always open to suggestions and available for conversations.
Working towards making Her Campus Bucknell an inclusive space for all identities is going to be a process, but in this process we hope to learn and grow as a publication. We believe that breaking down these norms is the most important work that we will do at Bucknell. Our ultimate goal is to make Her Campus Bucknell an inclusive space on campus for all female identities, and to have that acceptance spill over into the larger Bucknell community.
HCXO,
Amanda Relick, Grace Carita, Natalie Altman, Julia Shapiro, Gabby Gottschall, Emma Halper, Courtney Buckworth, Sarah Forer, Amanda Carlson, Kendall O’Brien, Kate Osman, Emma Sheehy, Megan Ruane, Emily Malmquist, Sophie Napoli, Olivia Lawlor, Molly Farrell, Casey Twomey, Elizabeth Worthington, Kaily Ghazi, Julia Lasko, Rose Gendelman, Courtney Brown, Lexi Katz, Jess Quindlen, Jordan Ferrari, Grace Filer, Jenna Kline & Lily Mitchell