University of Alabama Student Government Association President Talks About Diversity
University of Alabama President Stuart Bell says he will hire a central diversity officer as part of an effort to make the campus welcoming to all people. The announcement this week comes following a week of demonstrations at the school, originally sparked by protests at the University of Missouri, in which students said the racial climate needs to improve at UA. Student Government Association President Elliot Spillers, who is black, talks with WBHM’s Sherrel Wheeler Stewart about the announcement and about the culture at the University.
The University of Alabama Experience
“The past three years I have been here have been nothing but positive. I will say it’s been amazing. But I also have to represent those students who can’t say the same.”
Aftermath of Video on Institutional Racism
“I think since the video circulated, we’ve had a lot of talk – a lot of dialogue about this issue here on our campus. This is not uncommon in SEC schools, but definitely, I think since the Missouri protest, it has empowered a lot of students — college and campus-wide. Since then President Bell and I have met about the current situation of diversity and inclusion here on our campus. We’ve talked about plans, moving forward with his strategic plan. Recently, yesterday, he signed off on us getting a chief diversity officer here at the university.”
Changes in the University
“It’s changed drastically since I’ve been in school here at the University of Alabama. Let it be known that I love my campus wholeheartedly. But I want the best for each student here. As a freshman I can remember, as it regards the Student Government Association, not being representative of any minority students across our campus culture. It had been as such for about 40 years. I have seen multiple waves of tradition and a turning tide, but nothing has been sustainable. As students, we are very passionate about diversity and inclusion. Among us along we were able to integrate our sorority system. Our fraternity system is something we’re still working on. We’re moving forward in the right direction, and I think even my election alone has proven the strides we’ve come as a campus and a community at UA. I can’t let another 40 years go by till another minority or person of color can sit in this position.”
Handling Resistance from The Machine
“It’s a culture, and I will say with The Machine, it is not every individual in that institution that is campaigning to keep our campus divided. It’s a small minority who has a very loud voice, who controls even the people within that organization. Cleophus Thomas is a mentor of mine. In 1976 he was the first black SGA president here at Alabama. I’ve talked with him many times. It’s astounding to me the issues they had in 1976 and even in the 1960s — they still persist. It makes me question, ‘is this the society I live in? Is this the University of Alabama that I want my children going to?’ It’s up to us to challenge that in a positive way. If no one says so, it may never be addressed. For many of us, it’s important that we don’t alienate or polarize ourselves, but rather find common ground.”
Alabama executes man with nitrogen gas for 1993 murder over $200 drug debt
ATMORE, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama man convicted of helping to burn a man alive in 1993 over a $200 drug debt was executed by nitrogen gas on Thursday. Anthony […]
Chess body investigating ex-world champion who accused Daniel Naroditsky of cheating
U.S. chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky died this week at age 29. Former world champion Vladimir Kramnik had accused Naroditsky, among others, of cheating in the sport.
‘A slap in the face’: Ranchers feel betrayed by Trump’s plan to buy Argentine beef
Over the past few days, cattle ranchers and agricultural groups have been sounding the alarm that a plan to import more foreign beef would hurt struggling ranchers.
A few things to consider before committing a museum heist
Art heists may sound glamorous, but stealing priceless cultural artifacts doesn't always pay off like you'd expect. We talked with a veteran art thief, a lawyer, and an expert on heist economics.
‘Why does my toddler … ?’ Your kiddo’s most confounding behavior, decoded
Why does my toddler say "no" to everything? Say everything is "mine"? Want to crash into everything? Child development experts unpack common toddler behaviors and offer advice on how parents can cope.
‘It Was Just an Accident’ is a blast of pure anti-authoritarian rage
Iranian director Jafar Panahi has been arrested repeatedly in his home country. His shockingly funny new revenge thriller was informed by the stories of people he met in prison.


