SU men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim visits #NotAgainSU

Boeheim maintained that he was “Here today to show I support this group. I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t.” Still many students were disappointed in his prior statement, as well as his answers to questions. A student asked fellow protesters to “raise [their] hand if [they] were hurt by the statement,” prompting hoards of hands to shoot upwards.

Boeheim responded with “I don’t understand what you just said. What I just said and what you just said…by my impression this has always been a diverse school.” Boeheim maintained that his statement was made in regards to the first incident of graffiti found in Day Hall, attempting to justify his comments which implied that the crime was an isolated incident.

The students pressed on, urging Boeheim to stand firmly in support of their demands. While Boeheim shared that he supported the group, he did not decisively stand in affirmation of the demands, saying: “I don’t like the word demands. I like the word ‘let’s talk about it.’”

Student activists have been particularly vocal in their disdain for Boeheim’s comments. As a basketball coach, Boeheim has profited off of the talents and labor of Black athletes for decades. Coach Boeheim attempted to capitalize off of his proximity to the Black community both in his statement and during his visit to the Barnes Center, sharing: “I’ve lived and played with African Americans in 1960, when there were no African Americans playing in any northeastern schools.” Boeheim has brought up his own personal relationships as a teammate, coworker, and coach of African Americans several times when addressing the ongoing incidents. Activists remain unimpressed, calling for action.

“At the end of the day you are massive in this community and you are a leader, and if you stand up and you say the University needs to take action, no more forums, no more talking, but action. Because we’re really sick of doing this,” said one of the student activists.

While Boeheim continuously asserted he supported the students protesting and the goals of the movement, he took care to deemphasize his own influence saying, “I obviously don’t make decisions here. I make decisions about who plays in a basketball game.”

While Boeheim’s appearance was a certain show of support, student activists remain underwhelmed, pushing for more than platitudes and non-committal responses.

“What we need from you is for your to use your platform as a Syracuse University leader and a Community leader,” said one student activist.

“One hundred percent,” interrupted Boeheim.

As the protest continues, students remain vigilant in their quest for public displays of support from leaders both within and beyond the University. While Boeheim’s willingness to be present at the protest was noted and appreciated by student organizers at The Barnes Center, others remain underwhelmed and exhausted by his evasive rhetoric.