By Whitney Garrison Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
The Minority Rights Coalition and Student Council explored issues of race, gender, sexuality and justice in a forum last night, featuring three University speakers, called "U.Va. in 20/20:How's Your Vision?"
Tyrone Simpson, predoctoral fellow at the University's Carter G. Woodson Institute for African and African-American Studies, began the forum by speaking about his perspective as a black male University alumnus.
"To some extent, I think the devaluation of black flesh had something to do with me not maximizing my academic experience at U.Va.," Simpson said.
Third-year College student Jenn Silvers said she enjoyed the forum.
"I really appreciated that he managed to address many, many viewpoints both about his own racial identity and about others in regard to race and gender," Silvers said.
Yadira Perez, a doctoral candidate in the anthropology department, also spoke about her experience as a Puerto Rican woman at the University.
Finally, Asst. Dean of Students Daisy Rodriguez presented an Asian minority perspective. She challenged audience members to question Asian stereotypes and ask themselves what they are learning about minorities' roles in American history.
Janay Jones, Council diversity initiatives committee chair, said Council was involved with the Coalition since the beginning, both with funding and advertising for the event.
Council President Daisy Lundy arranged for Council to have an early meeting adjournment in order for members to attend and show their support for the cosponsored event.
Lundy, Commerce School Rep. Jamie Sisley, Engineering Rep. Ahson Wardak, College Rep. Ruthie Yow and Chief of Staff Noah Sullivan were the only Council members present at the event.
Yow expressed disappointment at the low Council turnout.
"I think it's embarrassing," Yow said. "If this is going to be one of Council's primary objectives for the semester and if it's a major focus for the administration, then why aren't they here?"
Fourth-year College student Ryan Hughes said he came to the forum because he wants to be more involved with diversity initiatives at the University.
"I do think these forums are helpful, but the people who need to be at these forums and discussing these questions aren't going to come out," Hughes said. "That's why I think the University is taking a step in the right direction as far as getting some sort of mandatory program together."
Third-year College student Tiffany Chapman said she also appreciated the forum as an example of the new efforts that Council and the Coalition are making to broaden the University's horizons.
"I applaud what they are doing," she said. "They are taking the initiative to try and change race relations here at U.Va."
Coalition Chair M. Bruce said she was pleased with the outcome.
"It was wonderful," Bruce said. "I think our three speakers were very poignant and powerful. The discussion at the end was a good milestone in continuing these types of conversations."
Read More
U.Va. Faculty Senate overwhelmingly adopts a no confidence vote in Board of Visitors
By Xander Tilock | 15 hours ago"The Faculty Senate expresses no confidence in the Board of Visitors for not protecting the University and its president from outside interference," the resolution read.
Faculty Senate Executives hear from Rector Sheridan and Vice Rector Wilkinson
By Xander Tilock and Grace Traxler | YesterdayRectors were in attendance for part of Wednesday’s emergency meeting and were asked about the interim president selection process.
Student leaders weigh the future of self-governance after Ryan's departure
By Brendon Bordwine | 2 days agoThe University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
