Blog Post#7: Gender in Higher Education
Our discussion of sexual orientation in class was a few weeks ago, but it was eye opening. We participated as a class in a “star activity”. Each student got a star of a certain color and was instructed to write their name in the center and various things on the points, such as a close friend, community, family member, career, and dreams. Afterwards, Jaimie asked a series of questions to put us students in the shoes of someone who may or may not have been oppressed due to sexual orientation. After being one of the students who were oppressed and not supported in the activity, I felt that I understood slightly better how one would feel if actually in the situation. I am glad I got to participate in that activity because I felt as though I learned a lot. We then answered questions in groups relating to the reading. I felt like the activity and questions were not entirely clear, however, it did get me thinking about services that could be implemented and have been in schools, as well as pieces of history that influence things today.
The following class session, which was last week, involved giving presentations on parts of Hope in the Unseen. Due to lack of time I was only able to read my assigned section so I was pleased to have a chance to hear from others of the book’s course. It inspired me to look into Cedric more and got me thinking of campus involvement and to be less judgmental. I think that everyone did very well, the only issue I saw was that some groups would start talking about the next chapter not assigned to them, which left certain groups with less to talk about than was planned. However, overall I truly enjoyed the presentations and think everyone did a good job of presenting the material thoroughly.
I know we discussed the current readings in the previous blog, but it still surprises me how much of an issue gender and sexual orientation is on college campuses, or any schools for that matter. I was aware of the various issues somewhat, but since I grew up in an accepting environment it just seemed normal to me. I understand why others might have issues with or treat those differently who are gay, lesbian, transgender, male, or female even. People judge others simply upon gender and sexual orientation factors and I am aware of that but I was just surprised after the readings to see that discrimination still exists.
Questions:
1. Who is responsible for creating gender/sexual orientation (equality/diversity) groups on campus?
2. How many campuses don’t have any groups in place on their campus? And why don’t they?
3. Why don’t we have a requirement in elementary schools for a diversity class and would it be a good idea to have one?
4. Why don’t campuses hold events to put men in women’s shoes and the opposite to encourage understanding?
