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A student voice of Saint Louis University since 1921
Vol. XCVI No. 12
Panel talks identity in the classroom By PATRICK HYLAND Staff Writer
On Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, a panel of students and professors addressed “the role our individual identities and experiences play during classroom discussion” as described in an email SGA sent to all students. The panelists included Dr. Karla Scott (communication and African American studies) and Dr. Laurie Shornick (biology) along with students Noelle Janak (African American studies and women and gender studies), Graham Vogt (Spanish, economics, and international studies), and Grant Mayfield (political science and communication) who served as moderator of the panel discussion. Scott, who teaches in both communication and African American studies, first pointed out that some identities are “agent identities,” meaning that they are afforded power and privilege. Shornick, a biology professor, then shared her personal experience of being
harassed by a professor while she was a student in college. As one of three women in the biology department of her university at the time, Shornick noted that the professor’s actions went without comment by other students and faculty. She explained that, “[Her] only recourse was to change my major.” Janak, who now studies African American studies and women and gender studies related to the feeling of not going to class because she did not feel safe to be there. She recounted how one of her white, male professors continually shut down students of color from contributing to the classroom discussion. Often fearing retribution and simply not being understood, Janak shared how she often will not say things in class because she does not want to deal with the aftermath. Noting how varying perspectives and identities can be shared in teaching, ShorSee “Identity” on Page 3
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Political Round Table hosts event on the state of St. Louis
Kristina DeYong / The University News
PRT: Michael Allen, PhD, spoke to students about the many issues facing St. Louis City and the surrounding region. By KRISTINA DEYONG Staff Writer
As many were preparing to leave St. Louis for the Thanksgiving holiday last Monday evening, a group of close to 100 gathered at 5:30 in the Sinquefield Room to discuss the condition of the city. The event, entitled “A
City on the Rise: The Cost of Prosperity,” was hosted by Political Round Table, a non-partisan political organization at SLU. It included a free formal dinner and was open to the public. For the first half of the evening, attendees heard from Michael Allen, founder and director of the Preservation Research Office in St.
Louis. He spoke at length about the successes and signs of growth St. Louis has seen recently and condemned the panic over “urban crisis” in St. Louis and other cities. “It is harmful ideology to call cities victims of ‘urban crisis,’” Allen said. “These same issues, this same crisis, has been going on for
decades. This state of emergency mentality tends to lead to short-term solutions.” Allen also spoke of the deep divide between St. Louis City and County. He stressed the need for the state to begin to fund its cities equally in relation to its See “PRT” on Page 2
‘Jesuits and the Arts’ Symposium this April at SLU By MEGAN HAMMOND News Editor
Courtesy of Silvana Siddali
JESUITS: This poster is from the musical production “Let’s Get Together,” directed by Jesuit Fr. Daniel Lord.
On April 18, 2017, the Saint Louis University libraries, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Jesuit Archives: Central United States is hosting the third annual Jesuit Student Research Symposium. The theme is “Jesuits and the Arts.” Dr. Silvana Siddali of the department of history, Tim Achee from Pius Memorial Library and Dr. Dave Miros from the Jesuit Archives began the symposium. Siddali explained that the three of them were surprised and disappointed that SLU was not conducting any events concerning Jesuit history. 2014 marked the bicentennial of the Jesuit restoration after the Jesuit order had been repressed. After being founded again, the first generation of Jesuits came to the United States to conduct missionary work. Achee, Miros and Siddali felt that the bicentennial should be celebrated at SLU and that students should be involved. The symposium was created and both under-
of the University’s president graduate and graduate stuand shared that people were dents presented their papers inquiring about SLU’s past on Jesuit history. with race. In response, the After their success, the research project concernthree decided to host the ing SLU and slavery was event annually. The next started and is currently beyear’s theme was about race ing researched by several and the Jesufaculty memits. bers from the Siddali For the 2017 d e p a r t m e nt said the controversies at symposium, the of history. foremost and around theme concerns The researcher is Ferguson inspired the the Jesuit influence Dr. Nathaniel trio to cover on art. The Jesuits Millett. The projthe topic. The focus was on have had an impact ect will be featured SLU and slavon various art ery, but there forms, whether it prominently among SLU’s were also preis stained glass, bicentennial sentations on Native Ameri- architecture, music programs in 2018. cans and Jesuor even plays. Siddali its. shared that The race the SLU and and Jesuits slavery project showcases synposium was well-rethe mission of the symposia: ceived, but Siddali said that “We were hoping that these attendees were somewhat symposia would bring our surprised by SLU’s history students more in line with with slavery. Jesuit history.” The symposium brought For the 2017 symposium, to light that SLU really had the theme concerns the Jenot done anything about suit influence on art. The Jetheir negative history. suits have had an impact on Siddali went to the office
various art forms whether it is stained glass, architecture, music or even plays. Siddali expressed her excitement about working with students from various disciplines on their research. Surprisingly, Jesuits have even been involved with theatrical performances. Siddali said there are several plays that can be found in the Jesuit Archives. Beginning the call for papers now, the deadline for proposals is Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. Both undergraduate and graduate students can submit proposals. The proposal will be reviewed by a panel and presentations will be 20-minutes long. Final papers are due Monday, April 10, 2017. Contact Dr. Silvana Siddali at siddalis@slu.edu with questions or for more information. Siddali said she will even assist with topic choices. All are invited to attend the symposium to hear presentations on April 18, 2017. It will be held in Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA) and there will be food and refreshments.
INSIDE SCOOP: The 1975 performs stellar concert at the Peabody Page 5
ARTS
SPORTS
Women’s volleyball reaches A-10 final
Trump’s Cabinet picks are a sign of what’s to come
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OPINION