Submission instructions:

What we are looking for: We are seeking TRUE stories about race and social justice issues on campus that are approximately 500+ words long. We are seeking poetry and art pieces about race and social justice issues based on personal experiences. 

Here are some questions to help you brainstorm: Can you describe a time where you have experienced or participated in acts of racism, marginalization or microaggressions? Is there a cultural experience you were able to share with others? Have you found yourself being the only BIPOC person in a room? Tell or show us about: belonging, racism, identity, native tounges, intersectionality, ethnicity, culture, assimilation, code switching, language barriers, or any other relevant topic you’d like to discuss.

Tip: look at previous published Color of Silence articles for examples.

How to submit: Send entries to [email protected]. When submitting your stories, please try to include a relevant photograph or art piece (make sure to credit appropriately).

Anonymity: You may choose to publish the piece with your name or you may choose to publish it anonymously. We only ask for your name and email address to confirm that you are a Westfield student. Your personal information will not be shared in any way, unless you wish to be credited.

What not to include: This column cannot be used as a place to “call-out” specific students or staff. Don’t include the names of anyone besides yourself. All stories must be either experienced or witnessed by you, you may not tell others stories for them. 

If you have been a witness to or victim of derogatory comments or incidents, we strongly encourage you to report it through the Bias Incident Report Team here or through the Campus Police here. We will do our best to publish all articles that are submitted within a week, but we do retain the right to send articles back for edits if they do not meet our editorial standards of professionalism and respect.