White folks need to be more tolerant, respect minority-only spaces

To the Daily:

In Johanna Hanink's column 'Members-only' diversity (09/22/03) Hanink asks for an explanation as to why it is ok to have meetings and spaces that are reserved solely for students of color. Ms. Hanink implies that she needs students of color to explain why they need a space only for themselves. While we are white students, and do not want to speak for students of color, we would like to share our thoughts.

First of all, it is not the responsibility of people of color to continually educate white people. White folks need to recognize the effects of the history of racism and oppression in our country; we need to acknowledge how we benefit from institutional and systemic racism. We must take the initiative to increase our own understanding of racial privilege and discrimination in order to understand why demanding an explanation from people of color is usually insulting, regardless of intention.

White folks have ruthlessly and systematically excluded people of color from nearly every public and private sphere. How then can we be surprised when people of color create their own public and private spheres? How can we justify feeling alienated and then have the audacity to demand that we have access to those spaces as well? Spaces in which people can dialogue and actively share their experiences across racial identities are valuable and should be encouraged. However, it is ridiculous to suggest that students of color surrender their safe spaces to create this haven.

It is the responsibility of white folks to deconstruct and challenge white privilege, both within our communities and within ourselves. By challenging our own privilege, we can demonstrate our willingness to open ourselves in order to truly hear the experiences from our peers of color, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Perhaps when we are less shrouded in our privilege, students of color will be more able and willing to share themselves with us. Effective shared spaces depend upon honesty and trust built in both shared and closed spaces.

Clair Morrissey

Jackie Bray

LSA seniors

Emily Squires

Art and Design junior

Pete Woiwode

LSA junior