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November 21, 2016

Acting President Sonya Stephens, in conjunction with the presidents of the Seven Sisters colleges, released an open letter this morning to Stephen Bannon, the media executive recently tapped by the incoming Trump administration to serve as Chief Strategist in the White House. The letter affirms each college's respect for and pride in their students and alumnae, and takes exception to his disparaging remarks. 

An Open letter to Stephen Bannon from the Seven Sisters Presidents

November 21, 2016

Mr. Stephen K. Bannon
Presidential Transition Office
1800 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20006

Dear Mr. Bannon:

Given your appointment as Senior Counselor by President-elect Donald Trump, a number of your comments have been scrutinized by the press. As has been widely reported, in a , you disparaged lesbians, feminists and alumnae of the historic Seven Sisters Colleges, all in one statement that we deliberately choose not to repeat here. Other reported comments by you reflect other forms of bias, including racism, anti-Semitism and more. As the leaders of the Seven Sisters Colleges, we take deep exception to these comments and ask that you take a more expansive, informed and tolerant world view in your leadership role. 

We are proud of our alumnae and students, who represent the spectrum of sexual orientation, race, class and religion as well as political party. Our alumnae are accomplished leaders in all spheres of public and professional life; they are committed to their work, their families and their countries. Now more than ever, we look to those who would lead the United States of America for a message of inclusion, respect and unity.

Debora Spar
President, Barnard College

Kim Cassidy
President, Bryn Mawr College

Sonya Stephens
Acting President, ÓûÂþɬ

Lizabeth Cohen
Dean, The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University

Kathleen McCartney
President, Smith College

Jonathan Chenette
Interim President, Vassar College

Paula Johnson
President, Wellesley College