[February 22, 2019]
Dear Dr. Kington:
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these matters with you, and sincerely look forward to working with you to ensure that the needs of the student body are met. We understand Grinnell’s position, and while we disagree with such reasoning, we are open to dialogue and conversation that is in the best interests of the working students of Grinnell.
For our part, UGSDW maintains that all working students on our campus deserve the right to self-determination and fair working conditions. However, we understand the steps being taken by Grinnell as outlined in the February 21 Special Campus Memo Moving Ahead , and we believe that this is a step in the right direction for our campus and our working students.
Paramount to this “new phase” in our relationship is certainly open communication and dialogue, and we appreciate your willingness to work with us and your student workers to ensure that Grinnell is working best for those who need it most. For far too long have we seen first hand on our campus the detrimental impact of socioeconomic injustice and the academic, physical, mental, and social consequences that are brought about by the various problems it brings.
Our goal is, and always has been, to enact whatever changes are necessary to preserve our community and keep its members healthy, safe, and secure in their being a part of the community. We hope that these steps will further that mission to the benefit of all Grinnellians during their times here.
We appreciate the steps laid out in your Feb. 21 letter on how we might proceed with this new situation. I look forward to continued discussion on this matter and to working with you as this situation continues to evolve to benefit Grinnell and our community.
Very truly yours,
Quinn Ercolani