(The following is an email sent by Erika and Nicholas Christakis, Associate Master and Master, respectively, of
Silliman College at Yale University, one of the undergraduate residential colleges, to Silliman students.)
Dear Silliman students,
Over the past week, we have spent many hours talking with students of color, and in particular to women students, and
we realize now that the email I (Erika) sent, while well-intended and coming from a place of deep conviction, did not
acknowledge how extraordinarily hard it is to be a person of color at Yale. We meant to express our confidence that you
have far more personal agency than you may realize, and we see proof in our conviction in the tremendous expression
at Yale this week. But we understand that it was hurtful to you, and we are truly sorry. We understand that many
students feel voiceless in diverse ways and we want you to know that we hear you and we will support you.
We hear the anguish of many of our students of color and it has deeply moved us. Seeing that we have contributed to
this pain by articulating certain beliefs about the formulation of a fair society is a very bitter pill for those in our Yale
community, like us, who see speech as a tool for social justice. Nevertheless, we recognize that many students have
seen mockery and arrogance in this claim. Your feelings urgently demand respect, and we offer it most sincerely here.
It is clear that the events of this past week have escalated, and we also write to reassure you of our commitment to each
and every student at Silliman. Throughout the week, we have wanted to share our thoughts, but have been advised
throughout to delay. But we feel that the events demand an immediate response and we have wanted badly to offer one.
It is incredibly hard to create an omnibus response that will speak to everyone. But we find it too painful to imagine
crafting separate messages to different constituencies when we believe, at our core, that in times of crisis we are one
Yale. As Nicholas said to the group in the courtyard, we believe we are united by our common humanity and can use
that commonality to understand each other.
In the coming days, we will send you a longer meditation on the ideas, events, topics, and experiences we have shared in
the last few days, including a more thorough examination of the contents and rationale for Erika's email and our
specific views on free speech, which many have asked to hear more about. We will also work to find spaces for all
community members to channel their feelings into ideas that others (both allies and even enemies) might learn from.
For now, however, we warmly inviteall Sillimanstudents who would like totalk about Erikas email concerning free
speech and Halloween costumes, and related campus events, for lunch on SundayNovember 8at 12:00. All Silliman
students are welcome, regardless of their views on the topic. Please RSVP, if you can, to Nicholas andSergio, so we can
order sufficient food, but dont let the lack of an RSVP be a barrier to joining us if youdecide at the last minute.
We hear all of you. Thank you for the privilege of working and learning with you.
Warmly, and also sorrowfully,
Nicholas and Erika
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