Letter to the Editor: Travis Hardee
This letter to the editor is in response to Pacer Times’ article, USC Aiken employee uses racial epithet at university-sponsored event.
Dear USC Aiken Community,
In support of the University’s mission to challenge students to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, and to learn independently, the USC Aiken (USCA) Department of Diversity Initiatives routinely hosts a series of events called Diversity Round Tables. The purpose of these events are to invite all members of the campus community to gather together and get them talking to each other, in a facilitated manner, about controversial topics in society. In previous discussions, we have explored topics like racist depictions in Disney films, sexism in popular music, and gendered double standards of sex. All of these events are intended to promote discussion around sensitive topics, and understanding of diverse viewpoints—a feat many participants have self-reported in the past as achieved. These events always follow an established structure:
A lecture, approximately 40-45 minutes, related to the academic concepts around the specific topic, and
A 15-20 minute group discussion facilitated by the presenter to tie the discussion back into the discussed academic concepts.
Before every discussion-based event, we clearly ask that all audience members abide by a set of rules. These rules include:
Be respectful of their peers and all participants,
Actively participate in the discussion,
Speak through the facilitator, and
Acknowledge that what is said during the discussion stays there, but what is learned there leaves there.
Our recent Diversity Round Table was designed to introduce a number of racial and ethnic epithets and discuss their reclamation throughout history. The primary concept covered in the presentation was the ‘n-word” due to its level of contention and relevance in our region of the country. Throughout my tenure as a student and diversity professional here at USCA, I have worked to resolve issues surrounding diverse communities including the implementation of gender-neutral restrooms, supporting minority-led student organizations, providing individualistic support and advising for minority students, and much more. Additionally, I think it is crucial to acknowledge, I am a person of color who has a personal connection to the experiences of our students of color here at USCA. For this reason, I felt this topic deserved to be addressed and we produced a presentation to educate the campus community on this subject. We focus special attention on the production of each of our presentations and ensure that we methodologically plan for potential conflicts throughout our events. As I planned this event and conducted the research for it, I expected the conversation to include candid perspectives, passionate discussions, and probing questions.
On Wednesday, January 22, the Department of Diversity Initiatives hosted the event titled, “Diversity Round Tables: The Blank Word”. While I was presenting on the history of racial epithets, a USCA staff member asked a question regarding the history of the n-word’s use by people of different racial groups. Upon answering the question, between myself and the staff member, she then asked: “who do you allow to call you ni**er?” As the facilitator of this event, all audience input and participation was to be directed to me. After receiving questions, during the presentation, I would respond to that particular audience member and redistribute the question for the rest of the audience. While I do not endorse the use of this word to offend or harm anyone we must have spaces to openly discuss differences. In my response to her question, I expressed my personal stance but also objectively presented information that would allow her to understand how context, history, and reclamation status influence the answer. All of these concepts were addressed during the presentation. If we are to uphold the University’s values to embrace life-long learning and impart knowledge in a high-quality learning environment, we must respond with diligence when issues like this arise and express patience for those who have different perspectives. In order for growth to occur in those of us who are less educated on these types of topics, we must continuously promote a culture that calls in these constructive and educational conversations instead of simply calling out anyone who expresses a lack of knowledge regarding these topics. We must also acknowledge that the learning process should never end. If we are to embrace growth in each individual, we first have to realize everyone learns differently and responses to these types of situations will vary. In summary, we must create a culture that calls in instead of calls out. With that in mind, I, and the Department of Diversity Initiatives will continue to host programs that promote discussion and discourse. While doing this, we must also remember the words of Judith Evans, the survivor of the Holocaust who recently spoke at USCA, who stated: “let us move forward with love.”
Travis Hardee
Coordinator of Student Life - Diversity Initiatives
University of South Carolina Aiken
(803) 641 - 3776
Letters to the editor are written by students, faculty or staff in response to topics covered by the newspaper or those that the writer believes should be covered. These letters are not edited by staff at Pacer Times and represent only the opinion of the writer.
Letters to the editor may be sent to pacertimes@usca.edu from any valid USCA email and will be published at the Editorial staff’s discretion.
