Spring Break
Panel explores racial confines
Group hopes for more unity among students
JULIA SEVY
Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: News
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Kenneth Johnson, a University alumnus and history teacher in Augusta, moderated the event titled "Is Black UGA Whack?" About 120 students attended the forum held in the North Psychology-Journalism auditorium.
The student panel responded to questions asking if the environment on campus is socially restrictive. The panel also talked about racial relations between students and unity within the black community.
Panel members said it is crucial to break out of comfort zones and take apart social constraints.
"People are scared to step out of the norm because they fear what others think," said panelist Stedman Spruiell, a sophomore from Decatur.
Several panel members said they felt intimidated as freshmen because of their youth.
They said if upperclassmen were friendlier and more welcoming to younger students, the University community would feel more unified.
Members said there is also a need for more unity within the black community on campus.
Adarius Tinch, a senior from Stone Mountain, said students are often complacent and do not elect to break free from social constraints. He called for a black student union.
Other members said they think more student leaders are needed to increase the number of programs serving the black community.
Monique Stevenson, a sophomore from Atlanta, said she thinks more support is needed for the existing programs.
"We're not investing in the [programs being held] for us," she said. "We need leadership to step up."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 32
diversity in action
posted 4/08/08 @ 12:37 PM EST
Wow, what a diverse panel! I'm sure a wide variety of opinions were represented.
If I read this correctly, the perceived problem is isolation and exclusion from the University community. (Continued…)
Rentavius
posted 4/09/08 @ 2:40 AM EST
Holl3r,
I think that you are such a coward to say the things that you have said without saying who you are. I will not respond to you in the way that you are expecting. (Continued…)
Rentavius
posted 4/09/08 @ 1:47 PM EST
First off, I am not responsible for the naming of the program, I only attending it. First off, you two are responding without merely understanding the things I have said prior. (Continued…)
H.
posted 4/09/08 @ 2:39 PM EST
I see why you would think this program will further alienate the black community by way of promoting black student organizations. However, that was not the only thing discussed at the forum. (Continued…)
Rentavius
posted 4/09/08 @ 3:04 PM EST
I don't know who H is but thanks for further explaining to these concerned individuals what the program entailed. I admit that I didn't explain as well as you, but I attempted. (Continued…)
The Bobster
posted 4/09/08 @ 5:10 PM EST
His name is "Rentavius," for God's sake. Shouldn't that end all questions about his brains or capacity for higher thinking?
Rentavius
posted 4/09/08 @ 5:57 PM EST
Bobster,
I will not stoop to your level either, and I am glad that you take responsibility for the things that you say by placing your name here! I don't need for you to determine if I have the brains for anything. (Continued…)
A. Reed
posted 4/09/08 @ 9:24 PM EST
I have read all of these comments and I must commend Rentavious for having the patience to respond to such IGNORANT Comments.
Clearly those who have posted comments saying that the forum perpetuated the "victim" syndrome did not take the time to fully understanding the article. (Continued…)
busted
posted 4/09/08 @ 10:29 PM EST
Don't worry, everyone - I'm sure that before long, the Bobster will post his standard self-congratulatory response and run away, peeing his pants laughing at how much more clever he is than all of us. (Continued…)
Nq
posted 4/09/08 @ 10:40 PM EST
give me break....i'm so sick of hearing about black organizations on this campus, and black this, and black that....where's the AMERICAN organizations, and WHITE organizations on campus. (Continued…)
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