October 19, 2022 Issue

Photo

Carreno

Fernanda

Photo Credit: Bianca Dinkha

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Azhley Rodriguez

CHIEF DESIGNER

Cristian Raya

DESIGNERS

Arleth Arana Jeffrey Diazleal Edgar Vega

ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER

Chloé Cabrales

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Fernanda Arellano

ASSIGNMENT EDITOR Bianca Dinkha

STAFF WRITERS

Betsy Carreno Matthew Desmond Bianca Dinkha Angel Dominguez

CONTRIBUTING

WRITERS

Litzi Duran Elizabeth Nguyen Fiona Rowlands

Advisers EDITORIAL/DESIGN ADVISER Shonda Dudlicek

FACULTY ADVISER John Jenks

Online WEBSITE www.dominicanstar.com www.dominicanstar.com/ starcast

INSTAGRAM @ the_dominican_star

FACEBOOK DominicanStars TWITTER @ DominicanStars

TIKTOK @ DominicanStars SNAPCHAT @ dunews001

LINKIN.BIO linkin.bio/the_dominican_ star

Letter From the Editor

unboxing my Uggs, don’t you?

I want to take the time to provide a space for relaxation and reflection to get us out of our SAD this fall. So, I’m wondering, do you like seasonal drinks and smells? Like pumpkin spice! ‘Cuz I don’t, sorry, friends!

chocolate, peppermint drinks, eggnog?

Absolutely not.

Hi Friends! Happy Fall! Isn’t it so beautiful outside? As an anemic and someone who experiences seasonal affective disorder (SAD), I must say the sudden weather change has not been kind to my body.

But I do appreciate the warm fuzzy blankets and

Pumpkin spice is not a flavor that dances on my taste buds. I must say, the Dunkin’ Blood Orange Refresher has been my jam for the past week! Also, let me just say, pumpkin donuts, apple crisp donuts, apple cider? Yes! Pumpkin spice coffee in any form, hot

So, why do so many people love those kinds of seasonal drinks? Why are they so highly anticipated all year? Are these flavors nostalgic, and do they provide comfort and peace during a time where our emotions are controlled by the darkness of the season? Do we like the change to our usual order and the “spice” it adds to the season? What do they represent for you?

Seasonal drinks are usually not for me, but maybe I’m tasting the wrong kind! If you have

a favorite seasonal order, comment on the post highlighting this letter on our Instagram, and share your orders with our friends! Whether it’s a personal recipe or a “Starbees” or Dunkin’ order, let’s work together to share the joys of the season and knock out SAD!

Be kind to yourself, go get that coffee, and have a great week, friends!

Azhley Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief arodriguez2@my.dom.edu

DU Soccer Ties Aurora University

a draw against Aurora University.

This game was in doubt because of the huge rainfall that fell prior to the game. Fans were skeptical if the game would play out, but luckily the clouds cleared up right in time for the 3 p.m. home game kickoff.

was played in the middle of the pitch with senior midfielders Juan Guzman and Nick Kowalczyk battling the opposition.

ended with a draw leading to the final score, 0-0.

The crucial Oct. 12 NACC conference Men’s soccer game ended in

About the Star Sports Schedule

The Dominican Star, the student newspaper of Dominican University, is published twice a month. The Dominican Star is not submitted to any person or organization for prior approval.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to voice their opinions to the editor. All letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number.

Letters should not exceed 300 words and should be emailed to domstarnews@gmail.com.

Editors reserve the right to refuse submissions that may be deemed as libelous, unethical, in poor taste or prompting legal issues.

The Star reserves the right to edit submissions for length, style and standards of good taste.

This publication presents opinions that do not necessarily reflect those of the editors, reporters, faculty or the administration of Dominican University.

Away

At Alverno College - Oct. 19

At Edgewood CollegeOct. 22

At Lake Forest CollegeOct. 25

At Concordia University Chicago - Oct. 26 Home Oct. 21

Vs Wisconsin Lutherian College - 7 p.m. Oct. 22

Vs Edgewood Collegenoon & 2:45 p.m.

Vs Alverno College - 7 p.m. Oct. 26

Vs Concordia University Chicago - 3 p.m.

After that, The NACC soccer tournaments begin Oct. 29.

The Stars were without freshman, Oscar Cerritos as goalie but persisted in alternating between senior keepers Carlos Gomez and Victor Porada.

Much of the game

The Stars really took it to Aurora in the second half with great build up plays that even saw freshman defender Carter Bass push up the field to add more to the attack.

The Stars had multiple saved shots on goal but unfortunately couldn’t get the ball to hit the back of the net.

The intense game

The Stars will look to end the final stretch of regular season games in a strong fashion. Look to the Star’s schedule for future home games.

adominguez1@my.dom.edu

A Mural Celebrating Diversity

The Heritage Mural, located in Lewis Hall, was completed this past month with the help of various DU students and faculty.

The inspiration and significance toward the mural, best explained by Genaro Balcazar, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, is: “This mural will reflect our mission, our history, and our heritage. It reflects the richness of our diversity on the walls of our campus.”

The location of the mural was decided, “To those visiting Dominican for the first time and those who will pass through the halls every day, we hope that the mural reminds them that Dominican is home to all,” Fran Gregory, senior

graphic designer with DU’s Office of Marketing and Communications, said in a past interview with the university.

One of the students who worked on the mural, Cesar Torres, explained how his involvement affected the way he views the topic of heritage.

“It’s important since we live in a society full of individuals with different thoughts, cultures, and beliefs. It is essential that we learn to appreciate one another, and put an end to any racist tendencies,” Torres said.

Torres also commented on his experience working on the mural.

“I met the muralist Fran Gregory who was amazing to work with… I thought it would be a nice experience since it was my first time painting a mural in a higher educational institution.”

Torres said. The concept of the blank wall being used to highlight diversity offers a moment of reflection in the viewer. Balcazar hopes people who stop

and see the mural will focus on its vibrance and symbolism.

“When you walk through the hall, it makes you pay attention. The colors are really vibrant

and it’s unlike any other space we have.” Balcazar said.

bcarreno@my.dom.edu

Banned Books Bring New Challenges

notable is the efforts of organizations such as Moms for Liberty and No Left Turn in Education.

Students and graduates of Dominican’s School of Information Science (SOIS) commemorated Banned Books Week this year with growing anxiety about the unprecedented rise in book challenges in today’s heated political climate.

Book challenges and banning have become a major topic of concern and discussion according to the American Library Association (ALA), as incidences have risen drastically across the country.

According to the ALA’s 2022 State of America’s Libraries Report, there were 729 challenges to library material in 2021, counting both attempted and successful removal of material. This number is a dramatic increase to the 377 challenges reported in 2019.

The ALA report attributes the rise to many factors, but

These two groups have led the book banning crusade, using social media to quickly share lists of books for parents to report. The books being challenged are most often about people of color or LGBTQ characters.

Stories about the LGBTQ experience especially are among the most targeted by groups like Moms for Liberty.

Information Science Student Association (ISSA), Dominican University’s official student chapter of the American Library Association, hosted a Banned Books discussion event in late September.

Among topics of discussion were the tactics employed by groups like Moms for Liberty.

“We noted that one strategy used is to take a particular passage out of context,” ISSA President Jonathan Standiford said. “The content is then

deemed as ‘sexual.”

Being deemed “sexually explicit” is the most cited reason for challenges this year, according to the same report.

The ALA also reports that challenges have become increasingly hostile, documenting 27 police reports filed against librarians and that “threats against library workers grew more frequent. Proud Boys and armed activists protested at school and library board meetings.”

Standiford expressed concerns over how these aggressive tactics are impacting the way book challenges are handled.

“It’s not so much the high-profile cases I’m alarmed the most about,” he said. “It’s the silent censorship; the libraries and schools that quietly take books off their shelves before they can be challenged because they’re afraid.”

Connie Meade, a 2021 graduate of Dominican University’s SOIS, is a children’s librarian at Franklin Park

Public Library. While she did not attend the book discussion, she talked about her experiences with book challenges.

She recalls one instance of a parent raising concerns about a picture book she had checked out for her son.

“It was a book about the big bad wolf but told as an allegory for domestic violence in the house,” Meade said. “She didn’t realize until she read it with her son. I let my boss know about her concern in case it were to escalate to a formal ban.”

The situation did not get to that stage. Meade’s supervisor contacted the patron and explained that the book was part of a special children’s collection about sensitive topics; it was mistakenly put on display alongside the regular children’s books. This explanation satisfied the patron.

“She didn’t know about the special collection before and actually decided to check out a few books from there,” Meade said.

When it comes

to individual parents expressing their concerns, Meade expresses optimism about the prospects for communication.

“I feel like sometimes with parents being concerned about books is that it’s just a lack of information. They’re unaware about certain things and can be educated and realize that it’s good this book exists.” Nevertheless, she admits that the situation is always delicate, no matter the scale, and must be handled with tact.

“People attach emotions and feelings to their political beliefs, so a lot of people see it as ‘if you attack my political beliefs, then you’re attacking me personally.’” she said. “There needs to be a really good mediator because [open dialogues] can get so out of hand because emotions escalate,” she says.

enguyen@my.dom.edu

The Joy and Challenges of Fall

during this time.

It’s October now. We’re deep into the school year. Some of you may be excited for the colors, the crisp weather, football games, but not everyone looks forward to this time. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. People can experience SAD during any season, but, according to Mayo Clinic, it is most common in the fall and into the winter. Thankfully, there are many things you can do if you are feeling down

A common reason why people might feel upset during fall and winter is because it starts to get dark earlier. One way to cope with this is to get outside during the day. Just a 15-minute walk can help. You will expose yourself to sunlight helping you produce vitamin D, which, in turn, regulates your mood. Check in with yourself before the walk and label how you feel. While walking, take the time to breathe deeply. Not only will you be getting good exercise, but you will also feel calmer. Feel the cool breeze against your face. Try not to wear headphones. Hear the crunch of leaves under your feet. Check in with yourself again after the walk and acknowledge if you feel better. Walking in the morning or in the afternoon can help you feel happier for the rest of your day.

If you do not want to

walk outside, you can also do yoga which can help calm the body and the brain while also providing healthy stretches. There is a yoga class that you can sign up for at 4 PM every Monday through Nov. 28 in MAC 200. You can go to Dominican’s Fitness Center, located in the lower level of Coughlin Hall. They have treadmills, weights, and exercise bikes. Exercise releases endorphins which can make you feel happier.

It is also important to pay attention to your diet. You can warm up with soup or tea. Also, try to include many fruits and vegetables in your diet during the fall and winter months.

Take each day one at a time. Fall is filled with the hope of Dominican’s Long Weekend, Thanksgiving break, and Christmas break. However, school can seem intimidating with all the work to do between breaks, as well

as the stress of midterms, finals, and deadlines. Try to break assignments up into smaller chunks. This will make the work more manageable. Take breaks while studying to do something fun, such as eating your favorite snack or watching a movie.

Reach out for help if you need it. Make an appointment with the Wellness Center to talk through your feelings. Visit your professors’ office hours and the Academic Enrichment Center if you need help preparing for exams and projects. You can also make an appointment on DU Caritas to talk to a University Ministry staff member. Asking for help can reassure you that you are not alone.

It is also important to show compassion towards others. Get together with friends to study together or to meet for a snack. Check in with classmates to see how they are doing. Text

or call someone and talk about something other than school. Showing kindness towards others will help them and help you, because you will be connecting with someone.

College can be hard when there is a change in weather. However, there are many things you can do. Exercising and eating healthy can help your mental health. Taking each day slowly can help you feel less overwhelmed. Reaching out for help can provide you with support. Being kind to others can help you form connections. Remember that you are not alone, and that there are many resources to help you.

mdesmond@my.dom.edu

The story is translated in Spanish below.

La Alegría y los Desafíos del Otoño

Ya ha llegado octubre. Estamos en lo más profundo del año escolar. Puede ser que estén emocionados por los colores, el clima fresco, los juegos de fútbol americano, pero no todo el mundo espera con ansias este tiempo.

El trastorno afectivo de la temporada de invierno, conocido en inglés como SAD, es un tipo de depresión que está relacionada con los cambios en las estaciones. Las personas pueden experimentar SAD durante cualquier temporada, pero, según Mayo Clinic, es más común en el otoño y en el invierno. Afortunadamente, hay muchas cosas que puede hacer si se siente mal durante este tiempo.

Una razón común por la que las personas pueden sentirse deprimidas durante el otoño y el invierno es porque comienza a oscurecer antes. Una forma de lidiar con esto es salir a la calle durante el día. Tan solo una

caminata de 15 minutos puede ayudar bastante. Usted se expondrá a la luz solar que le ayudará a producir vitamina D, que, a su vez, regula su estado de ánimo. Piense, antes de la caminata, cómo se siente. Mientras camina, tómese el tiempo que necesite para respirar profundamente. No sólo hará buen ejercicio, sino que también se sentirá más tranquilo. Intente ser consciente de la brisa fresca que le llega a su cara. Trate de no usar auriculares. Escuche el crujido de las hojas bajo sus pies y vuelva a pensar conscientemente después de la caminata para ver si se siente mejor. Caminar por la mañana o por la tarde puede ayudarle a sentirle más feliz por el resto del día.

Si no desea caminar afuera, también puede hacer yoga, un ejercicio que calma el cuerpo y el cerebro al tiempo que proporciona estiramientos saludables. Hay una clase de yoga en la que puedes inscribirte

a las 4:00 PM todos los lunes hasta el 28 de noviembre en MAC 200.

También puede ir al centro de la aptitud física de Dominican, ubicado en el nivel inferior de Coughlin Hall. Tienen cintas de correr, pesas y bicicletas estáticas. El ejercicio libera endorfinas que nos hacen sentir más felices.

También es importante prestar atención a su dieta. Si se sienten friolentos, se pueden calentar con sopa o té. Además, trate de incluir muchas frutas y verduras en su dieta durante los meses de otoño e invierno.

Viva el día a día. El semestre de otoño está lleno de la esperanza que llega con el fin de semana largo en el calendario de clases de Dominican, el descanso del Día de Acción de Gracias y las esperadas vacaciones de la Navidad. Sin embargo, la escuela puede parecer intimidante con todo el trabajo a realizar entre descansos, así como el

estrés de los exámenes parciales, finales y los muchos plazos que nos dan para entregar trabajos. Trate de dividir las tareas en trozos más pequeños. Esto hará que el trabajo sea más manejable. Tome descansos mientras estudia para hacer algo divertido, como comer su botana favorita mientras que ve una película.

Conecte con alguien en busca de ayuda si lo necesita. Haga una cita con el Centro de Bienestar para hablar sobre su estado de ánimo. Visite las horas de la oficina de su profesor y el Centro de Enriquecimiento Académico si necesita ayuda para prepararse para exámenes y proyectos. También puede hacer una cita en DU Caritas para hablar con un miembro del personal del Ministerio de la Universidad. Pedir ayuda puede darle la tranquilidad de saber que tiene compañía.

También es importante mostrar compasión hacia

los demás. Reúnase con amistades para estudiar o para tomar un refrigerio. Consulte con otros estudiantes de su clase para ver cómo les va. Envíe un mensaje de texto o llame a alguien y hable sobre algo que no sea la escuela. Mostrar bondad hacia los demás les ayudará porque usted estará conectando con alguien que también necesita sentirse en comunidad.

`Estudiar y atender clases en la universidad puede ser difícil cuando el clima se pone frio. Sin embargo, hay muchas cosas que pueden aliviar estas dificultades. Hacer ejercicio y comer sano ayuda a su salud mental. Vivir al minuto cada día le ayuda a sentirse con menos agobio.

Contactar con alguien en busca de ayuda puede brindarle apoyo. Ser amable con los demás puede ayudarle a formar conexiones.

Recuerda que usted tiene compañía, y que hay muchos recursos para ayudarle.

Healthy Eating in the Dining Hall

get enough vegetables in the dining hall. There is a salad bar along with some cooked vegetables at every meal.

It can be hard to be healthy in college. Having limited time for working out and being able to go back for second or third helpings in the dining hall makes it hard to stay healthy. However, the food that the dining hall serves makes it especially hard to eat healthily.

Bianca Leon, a junior said “Maybe there aren’t any healthy options.

There aren’t any diverse food options and I don’t think they actually cook.”

While I agree with Bianca, I do think you can at least

Getting enough fruits and vegetables isn’t too hard. However, there tends to be an overabundance of carbohydrates and meat. There are a lot of people who reduce their consumption of meat for health and ethical reasons.

Some people are completely vegan or vegetarian, but just eat a limited amount of meat or fish. Dining’s solution is to have tofu at almost every meal, albeit poorly prepared tofu. This makes it difficult for people who choose to reduce their meat consumption, especially if they have a soy allergy or just don’t like tofu.

Being pescatarian myself I find it very frustrating that there are

limited protein options outside of meat. The dining hall serves fish on Fridays during Lenten season, but never at any other time. Beans are another great source of protein. Typically, beans are served with tacos on Tuesdays, with occasional other times that beans are served.

The dining hall has made some improvements in being more friendly to other diets. They serve Impossible Burgers on most days and they also have vegan eggs at the omelet station. These are steps in the right direction, but Impossible Burgers are heavily processed.

They are a great treat if you enjoy them but it should be a treat. When it’s the go-to vegetarian option every day it’s not the healthiest choice. In order to get enough protein, I need

to keep hummus and microwavable beans and rice in my dorm, but I still have to pay for a meal plan.

Some easy personal suggestions for the dining hall would be to press tofu so it isn’t watery and to add more bean dishes to the menu. They could also try meatless Mondays

and add fish to the menu outside of lent. There is a suggestion box for dining that can be found at the link below. https://www. diningdu.com/feedback.

Fiona Rowlands is a junior majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in nutrition.

Existimos y Aquí Estamos: La Perspectiva AfroLatino Sobre Dominican University

quién y qué represento. La verdad es que la perspectiva AfroLatino es comúnmente eclipsada dentro de las comunidades latin@s y Dominican University actúa de la misma manera que el resto de la sociedad al respecto.

nuestros estudiantes dónde están y entender lo que aportan a Dominican University”.

AfroLatino está lejos de ser un término nuevo. Sin embargo, incluso ahora, la comprensión de esta identidad tiende a ocupar un incómodo término medio. Ser AfroLatino es cuestión de reconocer la idea de que la negritud y la latinidad están mutuamente relacionadas y entender que nuestras historias no se pueden marcar en casillas.

Como AfroLatina, proveniente de un entorno puertorriqueño, argentino y mexicano, he sido testigo de la división y mis experiencias justifican la necesidad constante de demostrar a otros

Precious Porras, Vicepresidenta de diversidad, equidad e inclusión, dice que “las voces de los estudiantes AfroLatinos no se están amplificando. Como Institución al Servicio de los Hispanos (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés), Dominican University está atascada en esta idea de que las personas latin@s son monolitos y no hay verdad en eso. La gente latin@ proviene de una amplia variedad de culturas, lugares y experiencias”.

Porras continúa explicando que, al llegar creía que iba a trabajar para un HSI, pero pronto descubrió que “realmente no estamos creando espacios donde nuestros estudiantes de color puedan prosperar. Necesitamos servir a

A pesar de esto, el Centro para la Liberación Cultural está haciendo un buen trabajo al reconocer y resaltar diferentes culturas latin@s durante el mes de la Herencia Hispana, especialmente destacando la cultura AfroColombiana en el salón social, continúa Porras.

Si bien se están dando pasos en la dirección correcta, todavía queda un largo camino por recorrer. Dominican University está lejos de ser perfecta, pero es importante tener en cuenta que “estamos haciendo el trabajo y se avecina más trabajo”, dice Jamal Patterson, subdirector de CCL / Coordinador de Apoyo Estudiantil para Estudiantes Negros y Afroamericanos.

Estevan Montaño, bibliotecario de Dominican University y orgulloso latino indígena, dice que “nuestro campus sigue

creciendo. Hay muchas oportunidades que podemos aprovechar para experimentar fines educativos. Y parte de esto es entender que necesitamos resaltar y celebrar la interseccionalidad de las comunidades latinas. E ir más allá de esa celebración y crear acciones, ya sean cambios de política o celebrar días festivos y resaltar que existimos”.

“Tenemos una historia común de lenguaje y experiencia que nos une a todos”, dice Montaño.

Necesitamos continuar construyendo nuestra comunidad y las relaciones para hacer que nuestros espacios se sientan más inclusivos. Es importante hacer que nuestros estudiantes se sientan apoyados sin importar de qué origen provengan para que ninguna voz quede silenciada.

This article was first published in English by Chloé Cabrales in our Sept. 23 edition. Matthew Desmond is the official Star translator. The English version can be found online at dominicanstar. com

mdesmond@my.dom.edu ccabrales@my.dom.edu

Photos By: Betsy Carreno

Photo By: Azhley Rodriguez

#PhotosfortheStar: Fall Edition

The Star is asking

of the

spent

on

media

by:

Staff

Get Into the Spirit of Fall at Pumpkin Farm

life. After 10 rooms of pure horror, we made our way down to animal land. We went on the cow train where a tractor takes you around a dirt road at high speed. This easily became our favorite activity, tempting us to ride a second time.

With Halloween rolling around the corner, there are several fall festivities to do with friends or even with the whole family. Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Farm Home, in South Barrington, is a fun location where you can engage in all things fall. This includes amusing activities where you can explore animal land, get lost in corn mazes, root for racing pigs, pumpkin picking and more.

My friends and I started off with a good scare at the haunted house where we held on to each other for dear

We then headed over to the alluring petting zoo featuring a variety of animals such as goats, cows, pigs, and even camels, zebras, and kangaroos. We spend a lot of time hanging out with the animals, feeding them, and taking selfies.

Next, we hurried to get the best seats to watch the pigs race for a signature apple cider donut. After this we ventured over to the corn maze where we split up and tried not to get lost, which we failed at. In addition to this, Goebbert’s provides many other festivities to indulge in.

Among the games and rides there are concession stands

where you can purchase delicious food and drinks. They sell their famous apple cider donuts, kettle corn, pies, and so much more. Throughout the fall they are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On weekdays tickets cost $18 and weekends cost $22 excluding any additional attractions such as llama or pony rides.

The trip to Goebbert’s was a success, receiving positive feedback from everyone that came along. Irene Almanza, fellow Dominican student who attended the trip, expressed her pleasant experience at Goebbert’s as well as her reaction to more people getting into the mood for fall.

“There is something about this fall air that makes everyone go crazy. It’s even affected my mom; she bought a whole 6 feet Michael Myers,” Almanza said.

“I enjoyed my experience at Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch because I never had the opportunity to do these types of activities when I was younger. I felt like a little kid again,” she said.

Goebbert’s was truly a wonderful experience

that everyone can enjoy regardless of age. It was pleasing to see many people out having a good time with their friends and families. The number of visitors that showed up made me re-evaluate my previous thoughts regarding the decline of the Halloween spirit seen over the past few years.

Student residents should also consider

Goebbert’s if you are in search of some good entertainment this fall. So, if you are looking for a fun place to visit, I highly recommend stopping by Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch and Farm Home as you are guaranteed to have the best time.

bdinkha@my.dom.edu

Photos by: Bianca Dinkha

DU Shuttle Involved in Vehicle Collision

after it collided with another vehicle at about 8 a.m. Sept. 26 near the intersection of Bonnie Brae Place and Chicago Avenue. One student, the bus’s sole passenger, sustained a minor hand injury.

on Bonnie Brae while the other vehicle was traveling westbound on Chicago, according to a statement issued by Dominican.

involved in the crash were both taken to an area hospital. The student was given first aid at the scene, but he declined to be taken to the hospital.

the university will help the student access any further care.

A Dominican University shuttle bus ran into a River Forest home

The cause of the accident is being investigated by the River Forest Police Department. Preliminary examination found that the driver of the shuttle, a four-year university employee, was traveling northbound

Following the collision, the shuttle bus continued north on Bonnie Brae, driving up a lawn and hitting the front of a house. Although one person inside the house was evaluated by paramedics, none of its occupants were reportedly injured.

The two drivers

The statement said

White Accountability Group Acknowledges Privilege

to be confessional, raw and awarenessbuilding experiences for participants.

On Monday, Sept. 26, the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformative initiative at Dominican hosted its first student-based White Accountability Group to strengthen its efforts of establishing an antiracist climate in higher education.

A total of 26 participants attended the first session of the semester, which was devoted to relationship building to establish the sense of trust to create a safe space for sharing personal experiences. Everything said within these spaces is confidential.

Before participants attended the first meeting, they filled out a self-evaluation form, which was designed for participants to assess where they are in their own racial consciousness.

The group that functions through big group and small group discussions will meet over the span of five weeks. After the small groups reconvene into a big group, that time is meant to reinstall hope after these difficult conversations.

Amy Omi, project coordinator for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, goes on to explain that these small groups are meant

“[We want to] remind people that, while we are all part of this really messed-up system, we can all be a part of reimagining something new where racism doesn’t harm [people] or no longer exist. That is what we are moving towards,” Omi said.

This is a closed group that discusses the topics of whiteness and white privilege and how it impacts people’s daily lives. The goal behind these conversations is for students to have a space to vent and empower them toward a vision of social change, organizers said. This group will give participants tools to have the ability to disrupt the systems of internalized racism.

Omi explains that creating this space to be open to students has not been easy. She has received a lot of positive feedback from students on campus for opening up these groups to the public. But she has also received backlash for it.

“These past two weeks, I have received a lot of hate emails. A lot of right-wing conservative watch groups have been emailing me nonstop really threatening things,” Omi said.

Despite this obstacle, Omi is grateful to have

the team of facilitators she has for volunteering their time to make this group a reality. Paul Simpson, the director for Civic Learning, was excited to be asked to be one of the facilitators for this group.

“I said yes because I see the work as a way to renew the university mission and build antiracist reflection and practice into our ways of engaging with each other,” said Simpson.

The group even has student facilitators helping lead these circles, like senior Allie Wright, who has worked as a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation intern for two years and is double majoring in Sociology/ Criminology, while in the Master’s of Social Work Bridge Program. Wright felt that it was time the White Accountability Circles were opened up to students instead of just faculty and staff, the way it was last spring semester.

“As a white person, I recognize that being anti-racist means actively acknowledging the privileging I have and working to deconstruct the white supremacist thinking that we all have been taught,” Wright said. “It is essential that white people who claim to be anti-racist hold one another accountable.”

The next meeting for the group is set for

Oct. 10, when the group will be discussing the characteristics of white supremacy culture and the false hierarchy it establishes on the basis of human value.

Although the group is currently at max capacity for the fall semester, it will be starting a new session during the spring

Wednesday Journal has reached out to the police department and to Dominican for comment.

semester.

For students interested in becoming a part of this group in the future, they can contact Allie Wright at awright1@my.dom.edu or Amy Omi at aomi@ dom.edu.

lduran1@my.dom.edu

Aftermath of shuttle bus collision.

Photo By: Alex Rogals