Experiencing a water crisis is not something that most colleges would highlight on their blog or promote on social media. But Sterling isn’t like all the others. We don’t see the value in obscuring our very real experience of living on a planet that has been deeply wounded by shortsighted actions.

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court reminded us that the pursuit of equity and justice in a nation founded on dispossession, genocide, and race-based exploitation has always required courage, creativity, and solidarity.

The first truckload of state-funded bottled water arrived from Vermont Heritage, a regulated and approved provider which bottles spring water at the source near the international border about 30 miles north of the our campus, in January 2022. 

In December 2021, routine mandatory quality testing had indicated and confirmed that the primary well from which our water is pumped had 23ng/L of the five PFAS substances that Vermont regulates, exceeding the 20ng/L maximum contaminant level. Though this was just a little over the limit – a very precautionary limit that the State of Vermont set at a level intended to protect infants and nursing mothers exposure – it required the public water system that serves Sterling to issue a “Do Not Drink Order” for PFAS contamination.

In today's landscape, it's hard to escape the prevailing message directed at high-school seniors: "You must go to college." The persistent chorus of voices advocating for college enrollment can feel overwhelming, matched only by the relentless marketing efforts of colleges and universities. Students find themselves bombarded with glossy brochures, persuasive letters from deans, email campaigns, meticulously crafted ads on social media, and even text messages and phone calls from enthusiastic admission counselors (or, let's be honest, college sales representatives).

Etymology of the word queer traces back to the early 1500’s, meaning something off center. Planet Earth itself spins not straight up but on a tilt, off center. We are sitting on a queer spinning planet. A planet which contains shifting beings who don’t follow set rules. These creatures could not survive without the shifts they undergo. Elements of earth that don’t seem alive also shift. The morning sky must rest and to make space for the night. The tide shifts throughout the day.

The whitewater canoeing season in Vermont is brief, beginning in late March when the rivers shed their icy cover and continuing until the end of April, when flow levels diminish as trees and plants awaken and draw water from the soil. To fully capitalize on the naturally flowing rivers, it is crucial to prepare in advance. While my advice stems from my experience as a class instructor, it is applicable to anyone gearing up for spring paddling adventures.

1) Shut down the fossil fuel industry immediately; 2) Create an extensive social safety-net that includes guaranteed income and housing so that no one is left behind during the massive economic transition that will result from #1; and 3) Educate everyone (including decision-makers and teachers) about why #1 and #2 need to happen, through a far-reaching climate literacy campaign.

Sterling College is a place where love knows no bounds, and where everyone's unique journey is celebrated. Our campus radiates with inclusivity, understanding, and a vibrant kaleidoscope of identities. Let's come together, amplify queer voices, and create a space where everyone feels safe, seen, and empowered. This month and always, we proudly celebrate love, authenticity, and the beautiful spectrum of human expression available to each of us.