About Who We Are Get Involved Past Projects Current Projects
In an effort to engage the richness of diversity at the university, a group of us have come together to develop a campus wide series on "Breaking Down Barriers." The emphasis will be on "Listen-in" sessions and creating spaces where people here can safely express themselves and be heard on issues related to diversity and barriers.
In this microcosm of the University, we have the opportunity to create a safe place for people to discuss their experiences with discrimination, prejudice, and social justice. Our goal is to use the space of "University" to begin and maintain conversations between people who might not commonly have the opportunity to speak to each other. Through conversations, we want to ensure that all students feel supported at SIUE.
We are faculty, staff and students interested in how intersections of race/ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexuality, religion, physical ability, and age come together to shape personal identity and structural experiences with discrimination and prejudice. While structural and institutional barriers exist that create oppression for groups, our social location within the varied organizing principles in current U.S. societies help us make sense of those barriers. We are interested in your experiences.
Sponsored by Black Studies and Women's Studies, events and planning are currently developed by the following faculty:
Aminata Cairo, Anne Flaherty, Connie Frey, Flo Maatita, Jeff Manuel, Linda Markowitz, Anushiya Ramaswamy, and Howard Rambsy
1.When you hear the expression "There are barriers that divide people" what are the first three things that come to mind?
2. What are some of the barriers between people on SIUE's campus that you think might be a hindrance in creating a healthy campus climate for all students?
3. If there was one aspect of other people’s struggles that you wish you could learn more about, what would that be?
4. How do you think SIUE creates barriers between students?
5. How do you think SIUE helps to dismantle barriers between students?
6. If you could give SIUE advice on how to address barriers, what would you tell them?
7. What is a stereotype people have about you that you wish you could educate people about? What would you teach them?
8.When you hear the expression "There are barriers that divide people" what are the first three things that come to mind?
9. If there was one aspect of other people’s struggles that you wish you could learn more about, what would that be?
FOR EXAMPLE:
What is a stereotype people have about you that you wish you could educate people about? What would you teach them?
*That because I’m white, I am prejudice/racist.
*My hair. Don’t touch unless you ask and don’t be afraid to ask.
*Islamic people are radical terrorists. I would educate them on the fact that it’s just a small portion of Islamic people.
*That pot-heads are stupid and lazy people. I took the ACT high and got a 28.
*Because I am a black female, everyone assumes I act ignorant or ghetto. When I don’t act ghetto, they say I’m not black.
*That white people are racist. I would explain to them that thinking that all white people are racist without giving them a chance to prove either way is a bad way to look at things.
*That as single mother I am constantly in search of a “daddy” for my baby. They can’t see me as a woman past being a mother.
*I feel young mothers are portrayed in a somewhat negative light. I would teach people that I’m not like the typical stereotype.
*That I’m not a religious extremist or a cult member. Usually, people associate Jehovah’s Witnesses with fanaticism or occultism. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not fanatics nor is the religion a cult.
We are a long way from having a comprehensive list of responses. Please assist us in developing our list by providing your own responses to any of the following questions.
We would also be happy to speak to faculty about beginning conversations in your classes. Contact Howard Rambsy (hrambsy@siue.edu) or Linda Markowitz (lmarkow@siue.edu) for more information.
