“There is a constant stream of things that happen locally and nationally that illustrate that it is important to be thinking and talking about race.”

Harris added that by holding this semester-long conversation, the University has made it a priority to foster a diverse campus which is welcoming for everyone.

“This is another opportunity for the campus to really focus on this issue and talk about it,” she said. “Racism is embedded in our institutions, and in order to make changes, we need to understand that.”