The Full List of Demands from the Fisk Takeover of 1969
Made by the Vanguard class of 1970 during the Fisk Take Over:
1. We demand the establishment of Black educational programs s defined by Black students themselves.
2. We demand the establishment of a Black dormitory and cultural center as defined by the students themselves
3. We demand that the present percentage of Blacks (from the Black colony of greater Middletown which the University has helped to create) holding non-academic jobs in the Wesleyan community be increased by 10%; if 20% of the non-academic jobs are now held by Blacks, we demand that the percentage be raised to 30%
4. We demand the right to determine selection of entering Black students with the assistance of guidelines to be provided by consultants of our own choosing. We consider the present committee organized by the Society to work with the admissions office as a viable unit in the meeting of this demand.
5. We demand a more adequate financing of all Black students. Whereas, the present system of determining a studentâs financial needs, the parents' confidential statement, excludes certain features which are necessary in considering the financial needs of all Black students.
Whereas, it is based upon certain criterion and assumptions, certain standards which do not reflect the present economic condition and situation of Blacks in America, and does not take into account the past economic situation of Blacks as it is relevant in determining financial needs of Black students.
That this present system be abolished; and that a more adequate financing be presently, and for all future purposes, defined as htat amount of money necessary for completion of four full years of residence and study at Wesleyan. An amount which is to be determined by a new set of criterion developed by the Black students at Wesleyan in conjuction with professional consultants chosen by these Black students.
6. We demand an end to the existing grading system as an evaluation of academic achievement.
7. We demand the right to scrutinize and approve candidates for all administration and faculty positions.
8. We want the reinstatement of all Black students who have been dropped or driven from the University because of its racist atmosphere and environment.
9. We demand that Black members be appointed to the Board of Trustees in direct proportion to the Black students on campus, and that these Black members of the Board be subject to the scrutiny and approval of the Black students
10. We demand that the incoming freshman class be 90% Black
11. We demand the allocation of funds to hire consultants to conduct studies and implement the above demands
12. We demand that Wesleyan exert its influence upon Connecticutt College for Women to provide for the similar needs of Black students there.
13. We want it understood that we support the similar demand of all peoples of color ( the Third World).
14. We want it understood that the administration will have only one week, dating from March 7, to respond, in writing, to all and each of our demands."
