Common Ground: Ferdous demystifies student space

by Rachel Mckay '08

Thursday November 29, 2007

On this campus, the words “Common Ground” tend to instigate vague explanations or extremist interpretations. That is why Nafisa Ferdous, the manager of Common Ground, says that her biggest goal this year is to “demystify” Common Ground so that students understand its purpose. She also hopes to start traditions that will carry over to future generations of Sarah Lawrence students.

So what is Common Ground, in a nutshell?

“It started as an idea in 1969, mainly by students of color. They engaged in protests, formed a coalition,” said Ferdous. “They believed there weren’t enough classes and lectures regarding the issue of representation.”

One significant goal for the group was a broader curriculum; specifically, classes in history, literature, the creative arts, and sociology that related to ethnic diversity. Ferdous explained that this was merely the bud of what later became the “ethnic studies campaign,” a fight that she feels has “overshadowed Common Ground ‘the space’ in the past.”

Common Ground was officially formed 13 years ago. It was given its own official space in 2004, on the second floor of Bates.

Common Ground’s mission statement “states that, as a space, we can host anything related in some way to diversity,” said Ferdous. The Student Handbook explains that Common Ground’s goal is “a meeting room, event space, lounge area, and resource center for students of color and members of [identity groups, where they can] host events…committed to…dialogue surrounding issues of multiculturalism.”

But, is such a space exclusive to students of color?

“We host identity,” explains Ferdous. “Now, all of these identity groups are open. All ethnic groups are allowed to participate. In fact, the manager of the old space [in Westlands] was white.” Ferdous says that Common Ground is concerned with facilitating an ongoing dialogue about diversity rather than grouping minorities together. She continued, “These groups are looking for more diversity within their members, and bridging the gaps between different ethnicities. And we will be having open hours, about six hours a week in which students can just hang out in the space.”
Ferdous listed many resources that are available within the space, including “a library of videos, books … and projectors.” The new space is apparently a lot cleaner than its creaky Westlands counterpart. Also, anyone can submit a proposal to host an event in Common Ground, as long as it relates to the mission statement. Applications can be picked up from Student Affairs.

What events can we look forward to in Common Ground?

Said Ferdous, “Creative performances, a rotating art gallery, poetry, dance, short films, lectures, open mike, musical performances, and historical birthdays – like, I think we’re celebrating the birthday of Nina Simone.” Ferdous hopes that such stimulating events will attract – and demystify – more Sarah Lawrence students.