The Evergreen State College (TESC) published and distributed handouts
to all students and faculty stating of the school’s Writing Center: “Tutors
are there to provide culturally sensitive feedback on writing (though not to correct grammar).” One
of the handouts, titled “Resources at The Evergreen State College for
Undocumented and DACA students,” also instructed educators and students to
avoid using “hurtful language,” such as “illegal,” so as not to offend
“undocumented” scholars. The second page of the document features an article
tilted “10 ways you can support undocumented students at TESC.” (#10— Buy their
lunches. #9—Let them borrow your parking and bus passes. #8—Don’t appropriate
their method of dress. #7—When possible, speak their language. #6—Let
them pass you in the hallways. #5—Tell them they look nice, but not in a creepy
way. #4—Offer to do their laundry. #3—Take notes for them in class and at
lectures, preferably in their native language. #2—Grant them small sexual
favors. #1—DO NOT CORRECT THEIR GRAMMAR, SPEAKING OR WRITING!)
The flyers list dozens of
resources for “undocumented and DACA” students, including the college’s own Undocumented/Underserved
Student Task Force (UUSTF), as well as many scholarship and financial aid
opportunities. They also advised professors: “In supporting undocumented
students, please do not try to guess who they might be in your classes,” but “give
students full agency for when, where, how, and if to tell their stories.” Who
the hell is going to try to “guess” who the illegal aliens are in the
classroom? “Hey, Chico—yeah, you-- you come from ‘Mehico,’ right? Did
you cross the border at night or pay a coyote?”
Correcting
student’s papers appears to be too old school now. Grades are not very tolerant and
inclusive. So, let’s make sure “undocumented” students have the scholarships
and financial opportunities to enable them to attend writing class. But let’s
make a conscious effort not to correct their writing!
That
be almost, like, you know,… shit, how you say?... effed up or somethin’.
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