Again thanks Maggie.
I am merely going to offer a plan and make a recommendation to UTC and Chancellor Brown, since it is my policy that if I present a problem, I also try to present a workable solution.
I want to be clear that I have not spoken with anyone in leadership at UTC, (and except for calling it to the attention of the University, and challenging us all to do what is right), this is all that I have done. How far this goes is left up to the University. However, as a consultant, I have done work on race, and gender discrimination. A part of the package I am suggesting is a two-part survey-questionnaire that identifies racial incidents, and racial attitudes. It also includes a recommendation for a Race Relations Task Force, as well as sensitivity and racial identification seminars, workshops and etc., and will make use of those who have expertise in this area, so that it does not turn into a race war. I have seen this work with unbelievable results.
In putting together this recommendation, I welcome any input; keeping in mind that it is only a recommendation.
I also think it might be a good idea to hear Gavin, as well as the Faculty Senate state their own personal and organizational position before they are offered as resources. We need to know where not only the University stands, but also where individuals stand, since the University is made up of individuals. I look forward to hearing both his and the Faculty Senate’s position, and hopefully it is forthcoming.
Thanks again!
Jean
-----Original Message-----
From: maggie mcmahon <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:55:47 -0400
Subject: Re: [UTCSTAFF] Thanks Maggie!
> This is a new day - one where either you support/condone racism or you denounce it and work together to make UTC and America a better place. There is no straddling the fence on this one. So regardless of who you are, and what positions you hold here at the University, to be silent in either direction is no longer an option.
>
>
I don't remember where I read this (many years ago), so I can neither
take credit for or attribute it...
Every white person in the US benefits in many ways from living in a
racist society: de facto segregation, driving an expensive car without
fear of a traffic stop, getting waited on in the store... the examples
are ENDLESS. To be white and to remain complacent is in effect an act
of racism. (Please, before anyone takes issue with this - think about
it, it's subtle and true.)
At the very least, we have a profound responsibility to provide for the
students in our charge a learning environment and university experience
free of the tinge of racism.
I'm glad (and frankly relieved) you have heard from a number of people
off the list. I expect that there will be some real change on campus as
a result of heightened awareness. For each person who has responded,
there are undoubtedly many more who truly care but don't really know
what to do.
People stay at UTC because it is an incredibly rewarding place to
teach. We get to observe our students grow from "deer in the
headlights" freshmen to confident graduating seniors. This is
incompatible with racism and I can't imagine anyone not willing to
address this issue campus-wide. Maybe you can help Gavin can come up
with one of his famous questionnaires to identify and understand where
we are... maggie
Maggie McMahon
Art Department
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Dr. Jean Howard-Hill
Political Science Department
419 Fletcher Hall
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
423-425-5702
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