Elizabeth Schoppelrei

Candidate statement

As a Ph.D. candidate who is invested in social justice and has published on German literature (QED: A Journal in GLBTQ Worldmaking) and poetry as social activism (Fat Studies), I will support the GSA in developing policies that foster feminist, anti-racist, trans-friendly, and accessible environments. I will draw upon my involvement within GSA—from my first presentation (2018) to participating in the seminar “Sexuality Studies and the Law” (2021) and contributing to the upcoming roundtable “The Place of Trans* in German Studies” (2022). If elected, I will serve the GSA in three main ways: backing social justice initiatives, encouraging greater accessibility, and expanding mentorship. In my role, I would support the Committee for Institutional Transformation and Social Justice’s recommendations to the board and ensure open communication channels. Regarding accessibility, I will encourage efforts to make future programs more attentive to accessibility needs (including childcare, all-gender restrooms, quiet rooms, etc.). I will also pursue an expansion of the Community Fund, supporting graduate students and those precariously employed. Finally, I hope to establish wide-ranging mentorship structures while not overburdening those most often called upon to serve in these roles. Caring, intentional mentorship networks are crucial to growing a more diverse German Studies.