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Posts published in “Local”

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Opens Smith’s Year on Democracies

Smith began its Year on Democracies with a Presidential Colloquium featuring Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. She opened the annual Colloquium series on Sep 8, answering questions from Smith students and faculty about the condition of the U.S. democracy and her position within it as one of the most politically powerful women in the country. The event was held at John M. Greene Hall, allowing a portion of the Smith community to attend in-person, while others watched the live-stream.

Three Protests Gathered Around John M. Greene Hall During Colloquium

NORTHAMPTON -- Beneath a waving Confederate flag and MAGA banner, twenty white people shouted proudly on the corner of Elm and Prospect. Across the street, Smith students wrapped in pride flags kissed each other. A projected image declared, “Speaker Pelosi, Fight for our future!” on the Campus Center. Scattered police officers, campus safety patrollers, and Secret Service agents watched blankly. 

Organizations in Northampton Fight for Abolition

The Northampton Policing Review Commission (NPRC), created by the Northampton Mayor and City Council, released its recommendations for reforming “the current organizational and oversight structures, municipal funding allocations, and policies and ordinances” of the Northampton policing system. The creation of a “new Department of Community Care” should be a top priority according to the NPRC.

Smith College Pledges $200,000 Donation Toward Resilience Hub

On April 15, Smith College announced its intention to gift the City of Northampton $200,000 to support the efforts of the Mayor of Northampton, David Narkewicz, in creating a Community Resilience Hub - a decision that poses potential risks to the efforts and goals of Northampton Abolition Now and other local abolition organizations.