The Times-Delphic (11.16.16)

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THE TIMES-DELPHIC The weekly student newspaper of Drake University

Vol. 136 | No. 11 | Wed. Nov. 16, 2016 timesdelphic.com

CAMPUS NEWS

Students protest, administration listens Protesters support inclusive campus climate in response to presidential election

STUDENTS made signs to show their discontent with President-elect Donald Trump. Administration responded to student concerns. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRACE ROGERS Katherine Bauer News Editor katherine.bauer@drake.edu @bauer_katherine On Nov. 8, 71.4 million Americans turned on their televisions to watch the votes pour in as the 2016 general election came to a close. Early Wednesday morning, the nation watched as Hillary Clinton conceded to now president-elect Donald Trump. On Wednesday night, Drake University students, faculty, administration and staff filled Levitt Hall. There was standingroom only. Drake provost Sue Mattison notified the university via email about a campus town hall a little over an hour before the discussion began. Professor of Law Anthony Gaughan and professors of political science Joanna Mosser and Rachel Paine Caufield attempted to answer questions from those gathered. President Marty Martin and Interim Dean of Students Jerry Parker were also present to address concerns. Mattison began the discussion by saying that administration is aware of the distress students are facing after Trump was elected president. Faculty had expressed to her that their students were coming to them with difficult questions and fears. “It’s been a challenging week,” Mattison said. Gaughan introduced himself to the crowd first. He said that he had never seen an election like this one before.

“We’ll be living through that legacy (of Trump) for years to come,” Gaughan said. “If you are feeling very shaken ... that’s a very natural reaction.” The floor was then given to Caufield. She offered a more hopeful take on the events that have occurred over the past few days. “I believe the beliefs and values that guide the (political world) are defined by each generation,” Caufield said. She added that now is the time to ask, “What are our core values?” Mosser summarized the tension in the room. “I imagine many of us are feeling vulnerable,” Mosser said. Yet Mosser also said she wanted people to be open to conversation that destabilized what people thought they knew. Martin then stepped forward to address the group. “We need to be willing to talk and share our thoughts,” Martin said. “I am optimistic that you will do better than (my generation has) done ... even in the pain.” The first question came from a student who asked where the line is drawn between free speech and hate speech, referring specifically to the instigative and controversial pro-Trump posters taped to two Latina students’ dorm door early last week. Gaughan addressed the topic first. He said the First Amendment does not give the right to break the law, threaten, intimidate or isolate others. “(The posters were) an attack on free speech itself and it has a chilling effect,” Gaughan said.

Another student asked what students can do to start healing after the events of the past few days. “We’ve seen both sides (of the political spectrum) paint each other with very broad brushes,” Caufield said. “I think the first and foremost thing we need to do is take a nap.” Senior Kenia Calderon, a self-identified undocumented immigrant, asked what Drake was going to do when Trump called for the deportation of illegal immigrants. In her eyes, it was not a matter of if, but when. “We will challenge those actions that threaten our values,” Martin said. “If that day comes, you won’t stand alone.” Students voiced fears that their voice had not been heard this election cycle. “How can we incite change in a society so against change?” firstyear Julianna Darzins asked. Gaughan said that people have a responsibility to protect each other. “Share your fears with your fellow students,” Gaughan said. “That is something you don’t want to bottle up.” Caufield addressed how students can incite change beyond Election Day. She said that every conversation, every group or organization is a way to change things. Jennifer McCrickerd, philosophy professor, said that young people would hold a more powerful role in future elections. “They’re paying attention to what millennials want,” McCrickerd said. Another student asked how

Drake administration will be able to stand against the policy that comes from a Trump administration. Parker said that Drake’s statement of nondiscrimination, code of conduct and policy on sexual and interpersonal misconduct are not a political agenda or up for election. He said that those beliefs and values will continue to stand. Parker next informed students about the resources available to help them through difficult times. He said that counselors are available and that part-time counselors will be available for more hours for the foreseeable future. “(The administration has) a heart,” Parker said.

“We need to have conversations with those who disagree with us.” Jennifer McCrickerd Philosophy Professor

Next, concerns about negative social media use were brought to the panel’s attention. A student asked how he could handle the anger he experienced when looking at his news feed. “(Ask yourself,) ‘Would I say this if they were here in front of me?’” Martin said. “‘Would I use those words?’” “Turn it off!” Caufield said. “Get away from it for a day. Breathe for a minute before replying. Think about what you really want to say.” Renee Sedlacek, director of

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Community Engaged Learning, observed that if Trump were a student at Drake, he would have been expelled for his words. “We need to have conversations with those who disagree with us,” philosophy professor Jennifer McCrickerd said. One student expressed concern that such a conversation would force her to listen to ideas and beliefs she fundamentally disagrees with. Caufield told her to look for shared values. For example, Caufield said two people may believe in equality, but how they end up with their specific idea of equality is unique and important to understand. “There’s something beautiful in that shared value,” Caufield said. Tony Tyler, director of student engagement, equity and inclusion, noted that, for him, conversations about his queerness with those who dismiss that sexual orientation is not on the table for discussion. “Expecting us to have a conversation with our oppressors about why their oppression is okay is not (the type of conversation that needs to be had),” Tyler said. “I will talk to them about a number of other things.” The forum ended nearly two hours after it started, as students slowly trickled out. Other students stayed behind to connect with some of the panel members and those who offered support from the audience.


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