Photo Essay | A march for DEI

All photos captured by Emily Paris, Photo Editor.

Diversity, equity and inclusion. DEI. The significance these three letters have on Chapman’s campus has been demonstrated by the 30+ on-campus clubs and independent students and faculty who showed up in protest with signs and chants in a fight to protect the future of DEI on campus. 

A retaliation to Chapman’s decision to place Provost Norma Bouchard and Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Reg Stewart on a leave of absence from their positions without any explanation. This breaking news came shortly after Chapman University was placed under investigation by the Trump administration along with 59 other universities across the nation for antisemitism allegations. 

History is happening. Policies are changing. We are part of the conversation. May the march for DEI on March 17 not go unnoticed.

On the morning of Monday, March 17, flyers listing the demands and purpose of the walkout were passed out around campus shortly before the walkout began.

At 11:30 a.m. on March 17, the walkout began on Memorial Lawn just outside of Memorial Hall, home to President Daniele C. Struppa’s office. 

Students and faculty showed up with signs made and at the ready. A demonstration of their support for DEI and opposition to recent politics and policies directly impacting Chapman University’s campus. 

Before the march through campus began, speeches were given from students of various organizations on campus.

Let the march begin. Embarking from Memorial Lawn, the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) led the masses around the perimeter of campus with practiced chants and infectious energy.

For coverage and more information in regards to the March 17 walkout for DEI, read here.