Save the University of Washington Women Studies Dept Undergradute Computer Lab
Currently, the University of Washington Women Studies Dept plans to remove the undergraduate computer lab. This room is currently used by students as a meeting place, a place to engage in critical dialog, and a place to complete research and general assignments required for their degree. This plan will effectively remove a valuable resource for students who receive few resources from the department to begin with.
The signatures on this petition are meant to complement the letter we previously submitted.
Winston Churchill once said, "We shape our buildings and afterwards they shape us." The proposition to remove our multi-use area was simply decided without ever consulting the students who use it most. This sends a very negative message to current and prospective undergraduates alike about the politics of hegemony within the department. After Spring Quarter 2008, there will literally be no space for feminist undergraduate scholarship at the University of Washington. This is simply unacceptable.
We should have the ability to produce work IN the department, not near or in conjunction with. We would like the undergraduate computer lab to remain accessible for undergraduate students or a suitable replacement to be provided within the department.
Thank you for taking the time to address our concerns.
