When protests or hate groups enter a community and attack its members, some people preach the idea of just “letting it go,” or “ignoring it.”
When The Campus Ministry USA came to DePauw University’s campus on Sept. 23, Professor James Wells, the founder of the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) collective, asked “What if you can’t?”
The BYOB collective met for the first time last Wednesday. Even though only three administrators and two students came to the meeting they spent an hour and 15 minutes discussing campus issues and trying to work through them together.
The discussion was based on the book "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It was used as a lense to focus on the events of Sept. 23, and the reactions of the student body.
“We are not as a community skilful in talking about this,” said Coordinator of Convocations, Keith Nightenhelser.
The conversation started with the protest and student responses, but moved on to broader issues that span the United States and the entire world.
The group also discussed racism that spans throughout the country. The confederate flag and the ways it is viewed in different regions across the country was another topic of conversation.
By covering a broad range of topics, the group aims to create a space for opinions and experiences to be expressed.
“You have to address it more,” said sophomore Megan Kahn about the issues on campus.
“The opportunity to engage faculty and students in a situation that is based on exploration and discussion absent any grading dynamic is a most welcome one,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs, Anne Harris. “Students will get a chance to think with faculty and staff about topics as they arise from discussion and experience.”
The major goal of the group is to create a foundation for an inclusive and accepting campus. It is also a place where people can be open and honest about their experiences.
“You have to put yourself out there,” Kahn said.
BYOB hopes to grow, and welcomes anyone, students and faculty, to join.
“I didn’t want to use [low attendance] as an excuse not to start,” Wells said. The next scheduled time for the Bring Your Own Book group is Dec. 2nd at 4:15 p.m. at the Hartman House.
