David M. Hendricks Jr. / For The Post / dh100006@ohio.edu
An open forum sponsored by Students for Effective and Accountable Leadership degenerated into a racially divided discussion of diversity on campus and the effectiveness of policies recently implemented by the administration of Ohio University President Roderick McDavis.
More than half of the almost 60 students who attended the hour-long meeting last night were black, and the crowd largely opposed the talking points proposed by SEAL presenters at the event.
The group proposed budget transparency, diversity, the university's new alcohol policy and the lack of power afforded to Student Senate and Graduate Student Senate as topics for discussion at the forum.
There was a lot of tension
specifically between different ethnic groups said William Tarter, Black Affairs Commissioner for Graduate Student Senate. Tarter said he felt attendees should have focused more on promoting change.
I think the meeting was sabotaged by a certain demographic said senior Marc Fencil.
A talking point that stressed diversity beyond racial, ethnic or sexual identification was controversial to many attendees. Opponents of the SEAL talking points said McDavis should not be judged solely by the university's recent scandals, but should be noted for his efforts to increase diversity on campus.
The fact McDavis is black has nothing to do with (the purpose for the meeting)
said SEAL spokeswoman Maggie O'Toole, a senior political science major. SEAL hadn't previously advertised any of its meetings, O'Toole said, adding that this meeting was an anomaly and was more critical than constructive.
The discussion wasn't constructive because of ignorance on the part of everyone
said junior business pre-law major Kourtni Hatton. All day we're talking
but for what? What is your plan of action?
Many of those who opposed SEAL were also dissatisfied with promotional fliers posted around campus. Frustrated with McDavis' administration? asked the flier, which promoted SEAL and invited students to join the organization.
I really don't think that flier is fair because it singles out McDavis, said senior education major Shauntina Thornton. He's trying. What more can you ask for?
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