In today’s issue of Student Life, there is an article titled “‘There were so many Black people!’: Safe spaces on college campuses.” This article marks the decision to capitalize the word Black, when referring to race, in Student Life. The decision to capitalize Black comes from the expertise and advocacy of academics, activists and linguists. Black is not purely a descriptor, but an identity group as well. Therefore, it is important for the word Black to be capitalized.

It is important to acknowledge that Student Life follows AP Style, and this change within Student Life is a departure from AP Style guidelines. I believe that properly identifying a group of people is more important than abiding by a set of institutional guidelines.

Please direct any questions or comments about this change to [email protected]. I will be happy to answer any questions that may arise.

Sincerely,

Elena Quinones

Editor-in-Chief