Being White at Iowa State University: How to Become a Change Agent On and Off Campus
- Justin Knight (Iowa State University)
Abstract
It is no secret that the state of Iowa and Iowa State University are predominantly white. Too often, though, white people assume that topics regarding race and ethnicity are too sensitive and controversial for their individual input or involvement. After all, how are they supposed to know what life is like for minorities? This mind-set is unfortunately too common on our campus and in our state. The good news, though, is that this does not have to be the case. There are many small changes to one’s behavior that may allow one to become a “change agent,” regardless of ethnicity or location. This presentation will focus specifically on how white people can positively affect issues regarding minorities at predominantly white institutions such as Iowa State University.