Office of Chaplains promotes honest dialogue

Discussion series lets students talk about race issues

According to Protestant Chaplain Manfred Lassen, there are times when Oberlin isn't as progressive as it might like to be.

One particular topic that seems to be taboo on campus is the issue of race. Is there racism on Oberlin's campus? Of course, according to Lassen. Lassen said, "The question is how can conversations develop among students in order to generate honest dialogue about race and race relations?"

The Office of the Chaplains, along with the Student Life and Services department and the Multicultural Resource Center, is sponsoring a series of five small group discussions during April entitled "Honest Conversations."

These discussions are dedicated to developing a "deliberate democracy" on Oberlin's campus, according to Lassen.

"This is a pilot project. We plan to gather 12 to 15 students who will work together to break down issues of race. Each group will start to talk about an action plan for Oberlin's campus," Lassen said. "We're hoping that these discussions will continue throughout the semester and on into the next year."

The participants for the discussions will be chosen from a pool of registrants. The group will be made up of students with different backgrounds, majors and interests.

"Everyone has a stake in these issues. The aim is to get ideas and opinions out on the table. Whether you're Black, White, Asian or Latino, most everyone has had experience either directly with racism or with having racist thoughts," said Lassen.

These discussions are not meant to be diversity training or sensitivity training. They are a merely a starting point and an attempt to spark discussions that will lead to dialogue.

There will be several ground rules for the conversations, although they will basically follow a loosely-structured form.

"It's interesting to try and figure out whether or not Oberlin students are even ready for these type of conversations. It still may be a little premature and a little touchy. Some of these issues will be very emotional. It may be a struggle, but in the end hopefully something good will come out if it," Lassen said.

Discussion topics include "Personal Experiences, Personal Beliefs," "Prevalence and Power of Racism in America," "How to Change Racist Attitudes," "How to End Race-Based Inequity and Injustice" and "From Words to Actions."

The Honest Conversations program was introduced to Oberlin by College President Nancy Dye.