While the first week of the new term is always filled with
stress and uncertainty of new classes mixed with the anticipation of new things
ahead, this past week held something else: challenging thoughts for the new
year. Three different events were held on campus this week that showcase what we mean at
Carlow University when we talk about respecting the dignity of every human
being--a concept that is closely related to the core value of focus for Carlow’s 2019-20
academic year, “Sacredness of Creation.” As I have noted in another post, this value is
not just about respecting the world around us, but also about recognizing that
every person we encounter is a unique creation of God. Thus we honor the
“Sacredness of Creation” when we recognize the presence of God in every person,
and when we treat all people with the dignity they deserve. Three events this
week brought this idea into sharp focus as they addressed issues of racism,
violence, and discrimination.
The first was a student panel in honor of Martin Luther
King, Jr day, co-hosted by the Social Justice Institutes and the College of Leadership and Social Change. The event was entitled “Disruptive Empathy” and began with psychology
faculty member, Dr. Pat Jameson, sharing from her research in relational
cultural theory—a framework in psychology which promotes the benefits of
empowering relationships in contrast to the destructive dynamics of power/over
relationships. Notably, she began with mention of the concepts of justice and
mercy that we focus on in our Contemplation and Action courses. Specifically,
the idea that justice is "finding out what belongs to whom, and giving it back"
(citing Walter Bruggeman). In this case: the respect and human dignity that every
person deserves. Her comments set the stage for students' talking about their
experiences of marginalization based on their multiple identities whether related
to gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or even place of origin. They
also spoke about where they sought strength and encouragement, and gave some
really thoughtful insights into ways the Carlow community might move forward to
become even more of a place where “all are valued and all may thrive.” A key
takeaway for all attendees was the advice to listen, really listen, to what our
students of color, as well as other individuals with identities which are prone
to be marginalized by the majority culture, have to say. And in that listening,
not assume that "we" (ie the majority culture) know what those individuals are going
through or what they need.
The second event was a faculty and staff training
opportunity led by our Student Affairs leaders and chief of police around the
university’s new Green Dot training. Green Dot is a bystander awareness and
intervention program aimed at producing a culture change related to
interpersonal violence whether sexual violence, intimate partner violence, or
stalking. The purpose of the faculty and staff session was to share the details
of the program with the community prior to its being rolled out with students.
Part of the key to this program is having a campus culture that reinforces the
message that violence is not ok and that everyone does their part to promote a
safe campus. Rather than just a one-time training or seminar, Green Dot looks to
be a very comprehensive and multi-pronged approach aimed at culture change.
From the statistics that were shared, the program produces measurable and
meaningful results where it has been used. A key insight was the idea that
there are many ways to intervene in situations where someone may be in danger,
and these range from simple distraction to delegation (finding someone in a
suitable position or relationship to address the problem) to direct
involvement. With awareness of the scope of the problem and with a range of
tools in hand, members of our community can be better prepared to respond to a
questionable situations where an individual’s safety may be in jeopardy.
The third event was a faculty lecture by Dr. Clara Cheng
related to her research on implicit bias. Her talk was part of the President’s
Lecture Series celebrating Carlow’s 90th anniversary and showcasing
Carlow’s faculty expertise for the university and the broader community. Dr.
Cheng did some myth-busting based on her extensive research and explained that
implicit bias is something everyone has and that it is absorbed from the
culture around us. Further, the problem with implicit bias is that it leads (even
if unintentionally or unconsciously) to real impact in peoples’ lives. Dr.
Cheng referred to research studies related to school achievement, college
admission, job applications, career success, health care, criminal justice, and
engagement with police officers, as areas where implicit bias impacts outcomes
in very disparate ways for different groups. One recommendation from her talk
was to recognize that implicit bias is a habit—and like any habit, if we work
at it we can break it. When we catch our minds moving down a well-worn path of
judgment of someone who is different from us, we can take the small step to replace
biased thoughts about a person we encounter with a neutral thought.
Most encouraging to me about these events was the attendance—by
faculty, students, and staff. During a very busy week, all three had better
turnout than I have seen at many other open events addressing needs in the
campus community. With this level of interest, and the rich content of
challenging ideas shared, we all have a lot to think about as we seek to live
in ways that recognize and honor the value of each person we encounter. And
what a worthy goal to work toward in the new semester, new year, and new decade.
