PULLMAN -- The election of Donald Trump as president has brought a change in culture to Washington State University leading to adaptations in both teaching methods and student involvement on campus to create an open dialogue.
During fall 2016
students involved with the College Republicans club on campus erected a wall to
symbolize the representation of Trump’s proposed boarder wall between the
United States and Mexico. The night following Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20,
James Allsup, the president of WSU’s College Republicans reported he had beenassaulted by an anti-Trump demonstrator.
With students on
both sides of the argument Sarah Whitey, an instructor in WSU’s Department of
Sociology, said the way students are taught to respond the culture change
impacts how successful the discussion can be.
“What I found in
my class is students are reluctant to talk about it because they are under the
impression that we speak at each other and not to each other,” Whitley said in
response to discussing political topics. “If it’s relating to politics they don’t
think we’ll be able to find a middle ground so when I’ve been bringing
particular issues up in class they are actually averse to talking about it.”
Whitley teaches
Introduction to Sociology, Development of Social Theory, and Sociology of Education
and has previously taught urban sociology and gender related sociology classes.
In addition to her work as an instructor Whitley also serves as an advisor to
the sociology club.
Different from
the lack of involvement in a classroom setting Whitley has noticed an increase
in students seeking ways to get involved on campus and having a constructive discussion
on harder subjects like politics.
“If we walk to
talk to other folks that have other perspectives from ourselves, how do we do
that productively so that we can have a conversation with each other and not be
talking at each other,” Whitley added, posing the question of how to approach
tough conversations. “I think it’s encouraging that students are recognizing
they need skills to be able to do that and as a group we can talk about what
the best way is that we can move forward and talk about theses issues and be
constructive.”
The assault on
Allsup as serves as a reminder that students should feel safe in their right to
share their beliefs without fear of retaliation.
Matthew Sionson,
a member of the sociology club at WSU who also participates in two other clubs
on campus, said having the understanding that others will have a different view
has helped him better approach tough conversations with other students.
“I’m not afraid to cover topics those view as sensitive in
modern society,” Sionson said. “I’m aware that individuals maintain different
viewpoints in society and that I should respect the opinions of others.
“Being
an Asian male I have dealt with racism in the past. However, that does not make
me insecure in my opinions or what I believe in. If I view something as morally
wrong in politics, I am not afraid to speak out. By being involved in clubs it
has actually made me more confident in myself and how I am able to communicate
through expressing political opinions and fighting for what I believe in.”
While Sionson
has benefitted from his involvement on campus, and more specifically with the
sociology club, but others still aren’t yet able to feel comfortable voicing
their opinion.
Beth Hindman,
Chair of the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and Sociology
department, said having individuals return to the thought of having a mutual
understanding when discussing topics that have the potential to turn violent if
not brought up appropriately.
“In some ways we have to rely on the social contract we
have with each other, to offer at least a minimal level of respect for others’
rights to speak, even when we vehemently disagree,” Hindman said. “Actively
de-escalating situations, speaking calmly and rationally, acknowledging that
others have a point of view…those are all ways we can attempt to conduct
political conversations. And when the ‘other’ side isn’t doing those things,
sometimes the best strategy is to walk away.”
Sources:
Matthew Sionson: (360) 969-4416
Beth Hindman: (509) 335-8758; ehindman@wsu.edu
Sarah Whitley: (509) 335-2659); Whitley@wsu.edu
Outline:
1. Headline
2. Summary
3. Lede with background
4. Additional background on topic
5. Introduce Sarah Whitley (first source)
6. Whitley quote
7. Club involvement with Whitley
8. Second Whitley quote
9. Introduce Matthew Sionson (second source)
10. Sionson quote
11. Introduce Beth Hindman (third source)
12. Hindman quote
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