Changing the Racial Climate on Campus during Their Academic Careers at Iowa State
- Andre Pennix (Iowa State University)
- Mia Lyke (Iowa State University)
Abstract
Most minority students don't receive the chance to openly discuss the current racial climate on campus. In order to change this, we will present to workshop participants a collection of interviews taken from Iowa State students of various ethnic backgrounds. These taped interviews will consist of personal stories, testimonies, and opinions surrounding their experiences as students and residents in Iowa. Participants will then be asked to share their personal experiences and discuss possible solutions to change the climate on campus. The format will be roundtable discussion, with the presenters serving as mediators. The purpose of this format is to get students discussing topics that are uncomfortable to talk about, and that they normally may not address. This opportunity will be invaluable for the audience, because they will learn firsthand what students feel are concerns and controversial issues on campus. In addition, participants can leave the workshop with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that if certain situations arise they will be better equipped to deal with them.