Citing a need to educate Ohio University students about race relations, the Black Affairs Commission of Student Senate is planning a diversity course for all incoming freshman.
The commission has teamed with other student groups to gain feedback and support before presenting the idea to the University College next year, which would offer the course, said Sherrell Davis, Black Affairs Commissioner.
This UC course will allow incoming freshmen students to know about diversity issues and different situations that may arise on campus
Davis said, adding that diversity extends beyond race to gender and sexual orientation. A lot of times we have students who come to campus and have not been around minorities who have not seen African-Americans.
Between 2001 and 2008, the number of black students attending OU has increased by 356, from 3.3 percent of total enrollment to 4.9 percent, according to the Office of Institutional Research.
The commission drew up a mock syllabus, which includes viewing and discussing films dealing with racism and diversity, such as Crash and Enough. The syllabus also includes research and interviews with people of different races.
The idea was prompted by race parties that occurred on campus last January, Davis said.
Throughout the year, the commission sponsored forums on race relations, focusing particularly on the political atmosphere following President Barack Obama's election victory and the New York Post political cartoon, which portrayed Obama as a monkey.
The university is also researching diversity training programs for employees and students.
OU is looking at different training models that are cost-effective and easily implemented, said Brian Bridges, vice provost for Diversity, Access and Equity. Over the next three years, he said he hopes to launch a diversity program geared toward students that will help them break down stereotypes.
In addition to BAC, Students Teaching About Racism in Society helps to facilitate open dialogue on racism. STARS sponsors racism and diversity workshops each year, along with an annual retreat. These events focus on educating students about what they can do to combat racism on a personal level.
Lauren Logan, recently elected president of STARS for the 2009-2010 academic year, said she is always optimistic that people can change, especially college students, who are usually more open-minded.
I think that a lot of people have a false sense of security that racism is going away right now because of Obama getting elected
but really
that's just an excuse
Logan said. People need to work on getting rid of racism and trying to realize that it starts from within.
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Rachel Ferchak
