# @michigandaily on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DExftqsIWFt
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/26066697-michigandaily-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/2b290cb588.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-01-13T17:00:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Michigan Daily (@michigandaily) — https://gondola.cc/michigandaily

## Caption

#OpEd: I am disgusted by how The New York Times misused my words in a recent article to perpetuate a harmful narrative against diversity, equity and inclusion. What was meant to be a conversation about the importance of safe spaces for marginalized students at the University of Michigan was twisted into a weapon used to attack DEI initiatives. The article ignored the broader context of why these spaces matter and misrepresented my stance. I refuse to let my name be used to weaken the crucial work of DEI. 

When Bill Vourvoulias contacted me for The New York Times, he framed our conversation as a fact-checking exercise. He asked me simple questions to confirm my name, whether I was a graduate student in 2022 and if I identified as Black. The main inquiry, however, focused on whether I believed Charles Hilu’s apology — after he attacked my name and the work I was doing — was sincere. I clearly stated that I did not believe his regret was genuine. I never expected my responses to be manipulated into a distorted narrative. I never anticipated that my words would be twisted and weaponized in such a harmful way as a means to try and dismantle DEI at my beloved alma mater.

The NYT article selectively quoted a letter I wrote to the University’s Board of Regents in which I highlighted the deeply troubling actions of white student organizations at Trotter Multicultural Center. These organizations had repeatedly displaced Black and brown students from spaces identified as safe spaces on campus. My intent in writing that letter was to advocate for the preservation of safe spaces for marginalized communities, not to be used as a pawn in an ideological battle against DEI. In retrospect, I deeply regret even engaging with the NYT.

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📸: afarahphotos
✍️: Byron D. Brooks

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