Addressing the question, “Why don’t we have a white student union?” SAB and Student Affairs co-hosted a discussion this past Monday.
This question recently emerged after a Twitter account was created by an assumed-Messiah student. The account with the name @MessiahWSU was brought to the attention of Messiah students when it began addressing Messiah’s Black Student Union and arguing with other students and alumni.
The issue was taken to Kevin Villegas, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, who took the Twitter account to authorities for further investigation. In order to provide an outlet for students to move forward and discuss any questions or concerns regarding the situation, a discussion session was decided upon.
The goal of Monday’s discussion was to address the situation in a respectful way. “We are each speaking from our own experiences,” reminds Jonathan Wolf, SAB’s Cultural Engagement Executive.
Students directed their questions to a panel of Messiah community members, who each gave their personal perspective on the situation based on their cultural backgrounds and past experiences. The panel members included Scott Hwang, Director of Multicultural Programs, Jocelyn Chavous, Vice President of Diversity Affairs, Lydia Ellsworth, a senior Ethnic and Area Studies student, Noami Henry, President of the Black Student Union, and Lucas Sheaffer, an adjunct professor in English.
Some of the questions addressed racial tensions, while others were directed specifically at the White Student Union situation.
Hwang answered saying we all have inherently racist thoughts without trying, but when we deny that something is offensive to another person, that’s when something becomes racist.
Chavous says, “The groups at Messiah are open to everyone. I think having an all-encompassing group is a good idea,” and explains that the purpose of individual groups is to bring attention to specific races and cultures.
Henry adds that the purpose of the various cultural groups on campus is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about other cultures. “These groups are for us to learn more about each other and engage in conversations,” she says.
The conversation then turned towards whether or not a “white student union” would be racist. Some students felt it was oppressive of the College to deny such a group or assume it would be racist, while others agreed the creation of such a group doesn’t further the purpose of Messiah’s cultural goals.
Sheaffer explains how student unions allow minorities to find a place to feel safe and receive healing and reconciliation. “Think truly and honestly about the intention behind such a group and see if it matches with the intentions of other groups on campus,” he advises.
Other student attendees also enjoyed the discussion and the opportunity it provided.
If you have any questions or concerns about this situation or general cultural engagement on campus, you can send your comments to sabculturalengagement@gmail.com.