With the introduction of many campus changes, we at The Guilfordian want to emphasize the importance of consensus. As a Quaker institution, our tradition of consensus dates back to the founding of the college.

In 1985, the college adopted a Statement of Purpose that directly recognizes “governance by consensus” as an emphasis at Guilford. This is a practice the institution has committed to in writing. It is not simply a tradition that may be disregarded in the name of “advancing” the college.

While the institution’s administrators make decisions they believe are best for the campus, we need to ask them to talk to our community first. Not simply representatives of our community, but the students, faculty and staff directly. The changes made to campus affect us all directly, and if we are to call ourselves truly invested in Quaker values, there must be a form of consensus and discussion around the continuation or discontinuation of campus spaces.

We believe that every student should be able to feel safe on campus. If that means renovating the theme houses to comply with safety standards, that should be done. The administration needs to consult the community and come to at least a partial consensus, one that includes affected students, before making decisions. Currently, many students feel powerless as to which direction the College is headed. Decisions are announced abruptly and with no foreword regarding their planning. Guilford is hurtling headlong toward a future that community members have little say in.

The college will change, and we at The Guilfordian understand and embrace that. We urge students to reach out to administrators, and administrators to lend an open ear.

Reflecting Guilford College’s core Quaker values, the topics and content of Staff Editorials are chosen through consensus of all 13 editors and one faculty adviser of The Guilfordian’s Editorial Board.