Georgia Southern begins new semester with inclusivity in mind – WJCL News

Posted By on January 14, 2020

As Georgia Southern starts a new semester, the school is still recovering from two racially charged incidents late last year.The most recent one was a student giving a presentation about a white supremacist theory in class. The white nationalist thing- people's safety was kind of like shocked at that point for someone voicing that in such a public place, said student Elise Wells. A Georgia Southern student gave a presentation late last semester about the replacement theory in an English class for an assignment that allowed students to choose their topic.The theory is popular among white supremacist groups.It came on the heels of another incident last fall- the burning of a book by a New York Times contributor. The Latina author addressed white privilege & diversity.In a response to the presentation on replacement theory, the University says:It is our understanding this video emanated from a class assignment on a subject of the student's choosing. What he did with his assignment outside the classroom is beyond the control or reach of the University. While individuals are free to express their views, these views in no way align with the values and statements of diversity and inclusion at Georgia Southern University. While it is difficult to hear presentations with which we vehemently disagree, we must uphold the Constitution of the United States. It is even more reason why we at Georgia Southern University must continue our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion."Its certainly disturbing to us to see language like that being shared while there is definitely a first amendment right to speech on college campuses, the classroom is not really an appropriate place for white nationalist recruitment," said David Hoffman with the Anti-Defamation League. Hoffman says incidents like this arent unique to Georgia Southern. He says theyve seen an increase in hate incidents on college campuses the past two years.He says its best for schools to take a proactive approach.Its the responsibility of the university and the professors to make a determination about how presentations and conversations in their courses are handled," said Hoffman.Some students say they think Georgia Southern has handled it well, standing behind first amendment principles regardless of content, but theres room for more discussion.Youre here to learn about cultures and diversity and stuff like that. Youre here to broaden your horizon," said Madisson Cassey. While others want them to step up .They can make it more diverse, and more acceptable of everybody where everybody is comfortable Theres some things that arent okay, and theres some things that are," said Wells. Last fall, the university released an inclusive excellence statement following the incidents. Georgia Southern will be hosting a series of town hall discussions this spring based on inclusivity.

As Georgia Southern starts a new semester, the school is still recovering from two racially charged incidents late last year.

The most recent one was a student giving a presentation about a white supremacist theory in class.

The white nationalist thing- people's safety was kind of like shocked at that point for someone voicing that in such a public place, said student Elise Wells.

A Georgia Southern student gave a presentation late last semester about the replacement theory in an English class for an assignment that allowed students to choose their topic.

The theory is popular among white supremacist groups.

It came on the heels of another incident last fall- the burning of a book by a New York Times contributor. The Latina author addressed white privilege & diversity.

In a response to the presentation on replacement theory, the University says:

It is our understanding this video emanated from a class assignment on a subject of the student's choosing. What he did with his assignment outside the classroom is beyond the control or reach of the University. While individuals are free to express their views, these views in no way align with the values and statements of diversity and inclusion at Georgia Southern University. While it is difficult to hear presentations with which we vehemently disagree, we must uphold the Constitution of the United States. It is even more reason why we at Georgia Southern University must continue our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion."

Its certainly disturbing to us to see language like that being shared while there is definitely a first amendment right to speech on college campuses, the classroom is not really an appropriate place for white nationalist recruitment," said David Hoffman with the Anti-Defamation League.

Hoffman says incidents like this arent unique to Georgia Southern. He says theyve seen an increase in hate incidents on college campuses the past two years.

He says its best for schools to take a proactive approach.

Its the responsibility of the university and the professors to make a determination about how presentations and conversations in their courses are handled," said Hoffman.

Some students say they think Georgia Southern has handled it well, standing behind first amendment principles regardless of content, but theres room for more discussion.

Youre here to learn about cultures and diversity and stuff like that. Youre here to broaden your horizon," said Madisson Cassey.

While others want them to step up .

They can make it more diverse, and more acceptable of everybody where everybody is comfortable Theres some things that arent okay, and theres some things that are," said Wells.

Last fall, the university released an inclusive excellence statement following the incidents.

Georgia Southern will be hosting a series of town hall discussions this spring based on inclusivity.

Read more from the original source:
Georgia Southern begins new semester with inclusivity in mind - WJCL News

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