Shirl:

Thank you for your informative response.

It is not until those such as yourself break the SILENCE, that this issue can truly be documented and addressed.

Yes there is a SILENCE with only a few  willing to openly speak out. But in my experience of dealing with racial issues, it really isn't a SILENCE at all. That is why I wrote the book, Black Eyes Shut – White Lips Sealed. DO NOT  think for a moment that people are silent. There is much discussion going on. It is just an unwillingness for whatever reason to share those thoughts. There are conversations that are taking place among those who are offended.  There are conversations among those who fear a flow of litigation. There is even dialogue among those who despite the awareness of this issue, remain insensitive. It is being discussed among those who know it exist, but would rather it not be exposed.  It is on the lips of those who don’t condone it, but do not know what to say or do, as well as those who don’t condone it, but know the price they will have to pay if they speak out. There is conversation as to what to do or what not to do.

In my many years of dealing with issues of race, I have found it to be a strange creature; one which takes on a difference nature depending upon the setting.  This is an institution of higher learning where those who teach and administer are the wombs and models for producing leaders, and where students are being prepared for future leadership and positions within our society.  It is a place where intelligent people ought not be engaged in the practice of anything other than that which builds our society, and produces those who will fill meaningful positions. But it also is a place where people ponder their thoughts first, before engaging in dialogue.  Additionally, it also is a place of arrogance, where for me to raise this issue, and to dare issue a challenge, is in and of itself offensive to some. So when you see a lack of response, it may be because of a number of reasons (good or bad).  Nevertheless, we all have a responsibility by virtue of the role we play in society as an institution of higher learning to make clear to students, faculty and staff  of color where we stand on this issue.  Perhaps there are those who need to hear more and are biding their own time and place to state their position. Or perhaps they are waiting for those in leadership to make the first move. But can you imagine being a person of color – faculty, administrator, staff or student, and now wondering as you interact on campus, if this person or that person actually condones racism, simply because they remained silent on the issue? Or to fear that you will be treated differently now that this issue has been raised?  Hopefully, this will not be the case.

In way of an update, because I have the utmost respect and confidence in Chancellor Roger Brown, and I do respect leadership and understand the need to work within the framework of leadership at UTC, over the week-end, I sent Chancellor Brown recommendations as to how we might possibly deal with this very sensitive issue.  He is not silent on this matter, and did respond to me. However, he does need time to consider those recommendations, and to make his own determination as to how this issue will be dealt with, based upon the best interest of the university. I appreciate his response.

There is a lot of pain that comes with the birthing process. But thanks for speaking out. 

Let's keep pressing on, and hope that others will do the same, and that this thing called “Racism” and “Racial Insensitivity” will be purged from our UTC community, or at least exposed, so that those who condone such can no longer hide or feel free to practice it to the harm and detriment of others.

Love you!

Jean


-----Original Message-----
From: "Shirl Gholston" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Jean Howard-Hill" <[log in to unmask]>, <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007 16:30:05 -0400
Subject: RE: [UTCSTAFF] Hoping for the Good

Jean,

I direct a program designed to increase the retention and graduation rates of underrepresented UTC students.  The program also strives to improve the campus climate to promote the success of these students.  Mostly African Americans make up the participants and the staff members are predominately African American.  Therefore, I am in the front line when dealing with race issues and felt compelled to engage in this dialogue. 

I applaud you for putting this issue on the table. You provide awareness and leadership in developing a plan to change the systematic attitudinal and structural factors which overtly and covertly creates an inhospitable and unsupportive campus environment for people of color.  The small amount of comments to your emails validates that a problem with race issues exist on this campus.

I also share experiences and discussions of racism and discrimination with my African American colleagues and students.  My colleagues experience disempowerment through subtle bias in decision making; overwork; “old boy” networks; tokenism; devaluation of credentials and accomplishments; isolation; exclusion from informal networking and harassment in the workplace. Students complain about being ignored in classrooms, shepherding them from certain majors, unfair grading practices and stereotypical expectations of performance and condescending behaviors of whites. As a result of these acts, many feel defensive, angry and experience enormous tension.  Some feel that their only option is to leave our campus thought that evolving door.  

I do agree that equality is still only theoretical at this point and we can move forward to become an anti-racist, multicultural campus.  It is also my hope that our campus fosters a climate where diversity develops beyond mere representation to become a theme which defines UTC through shared power and full participation of diverse racial, cultural and economic groups. In a country that will soon consist mostly of people of color, UTC must address the race issue if it hopes to remain relevant in the long run.

Shirl S. Gholston, Director
Student Support Services, Dept 4955
UT Chattanooga
615 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga,  TN  37403
(423) 425-5344 office
(423) 425-2111  fax


-----Original Message-----
From: UTC Staff E-Mail List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Jean Howard-Hill
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 8:05 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [UTCSTAFF] Hoping for the Good


“There is no pretty way of dealing with the issue of racism.”  ___jhh

Although this is my personal quote, it also bears truth from history itself.

In bringing awareness and a challenge to the UTC community regarding racism, my e-mail was meant to relieve some of the hurt, pain and suffering caused by “racism denial” which lies within the foundation of this institution and bears some presence even today.  It was not done with anger. It was not done with hostility. Nor was it done with any personal motive or vendetta against anyone. But to see a student on her knees crying because of what she perceives to be racism, as well as other incidents shared of horror stories involving racism at UTC, causes me not to keep silent. 

In doing what I have done, I am fully aware of both the negative consequences, as well as the positive and good things that can come from this. Anytime you raise the issue of racism, you bring out both the best and the worse in people. That is all a part of this tedious task of birthing equality. Sitting down at the table of reasoning and racial reconciliation is not something that is at first tasteful, and those who ask that the table be set and guest welcomed are often the ones who are crucified for doing so. Nevertheless, the table must be set, and the invitation must be made if we are to count freedom as a delicacy offered to all mankind. 

I have counted the cost for doing so, and realized that perhaps now I have become the “lamb for the slaughter” for some, and perhaps a “courageous soul” to others. I also understand that those who are racist will oppose me openly and even worse subtly, while those who are happy to see it addressed will openly or secretly applaud this effort. Then there will be those in between,  hoping for the best, but waiting to see which way the wind will blow, so that they are not caught up in the stormy currents, with others numb to it all.  But all of this is okay, as long as in the end, something GOOD comes out of this.

Despite all of this, as were my forerunner of civil rights, I am a praying woman. Believe me this is sometimes the only thing that gets you through when you step into these kinds of troubled and offensive waters that run deep into the complexities of the hearts of mankind. But in life, I have been through worse storms than this. However in the end, I have faith and confidence in the basic good of humanity, which causes those who know right from wrong to seek to do what is right.

I have done my part, and know others also will do the same. Now let’s  just see what GOOD can come of this.

There is no hate in my heart for anyone, and if I have offended anyone, other than those who are racists, by being so candid with the truth, it was not intended.

Love you ALL (and I truly do mean this)!  

Jean
  

Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
Political Science Department
419 Fletcher Hall
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
423-425-5702

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Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
Political Science Department
419 Fletcher Hall
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
423-425-5702

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