To Syracuse University:

On behalf of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and The General President Everett B. Ward, Ph.D., we are writing to address several recent incidents of racism on the Syracuse University campus. To date, the University and the Chancellor, Kent D. Syverud have inadequately addressed the racist and anti-Semitic threats to students and faculty on campus.

We stand in support of the student body and their protest along with their 19 very specific demands. While, to date, the Chancellor has signed off on 16 of those demands, we believe the protest should continue until all have been met. The University’s small steps have not instilled confidence in the students, alumni, or parents of Syracuse University students, despite Chancellor Syverud’s best efforts.

As two members of the Fraternity, one a member of the board of directors and the leader of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Eastern Region, Lucien Metellus, and the other, State Director of New York, Malik Goodson, are both alumni of Syracuse University. We are directly impacted by the lack of response of our Alma Mater.  As a reference,  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated was the first historically Black Fraternity chartered at Syracuse University in 1910, but was moved to Morris Brown and then later reestablished at Syracuse University as the Delta Zeta chapter in 1949.  More than 250  Syracuse University alumni are members of Alpha Phi Alpha.

Since the 11th Chancellor, Nancy Cantor, left the university and the appearance of a rollback of her diversity program initiatives, the university has experienced increased racial incidents. In 2018, Theta Tau Fraternity, shot  a racist and anti-Semitic video of an initiation ritual, which went viral on social media. One can only conclude from these latest incidents that the University is providing a comfortable and permissible space for racists. and that cannot be allowed. We demand today that Kent Syverud keep the promise he made to Brother Lucien Metellus at the Chancellor’s home on September 15, 2017 on promoting and protecting the diversity  of students at Syracuse University.

Always remember for Syracuse to live the motto “Suos Cultores Scientia Corona (Knowledge crowns those who seek her)” will only be accomplished in a safe and diverse environment. #NOTAGAINSU

Yours Truly,

Lucien J. Metellus
Syracuse University, Class of ’97
Eastern Regional Vice President
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated

Malik G. Goodson
Syracuse University, Class of 2000
New York State Director
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated