Studying Our Attitudes Racially (SOAR) is continuing to use the $50,000 grant they received at the beginning of this school year to fund research about diversity on campus. They are calling on students to share oral histories–their individual experiences at Southern.
“If we hear each other’s stories, it’s a lot harder to not care or understand from a perspective that may be different [than yours],” said Kristie Wilder, dean of the Social Work department. “You have a story, and you need to share it.”
This qualitative research project is intended to be a collection of past, present and future voices that showcase the students who make up Southern Adventist University. It will include photos and videos to supplement the stories.
“We are trying to build this into the culture at Southern,” Wilder said.
Since the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year, SOAR has been hosting many events to bring racial awareness on campus. One lecture series hosted by SOAR last semester was Against the Wall, a weekend spent discussing racial issues within the Seventh-day Adventist church. The event took place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, and it produced many different reactions among the student body, especially on social media.
“There seemed to be the most tension at the Agora, but once it ended, it felt as though all sides of the discussion were amicable, even if they somewhat disagreed,” said Philip Warfield, senior history major.
“Most profound is the rich infusion of biblical wisdom to the topic, reminding us of truths that our culture has forgotten regarding responsibility and love for one another, our role of reconciliation. However, these efforts will only go as far as people are willing to be empathetic,” said Joelle Kanyana, senior finance and international studies major.
“We’re never going to please everyone, and if we are, maybe we’re not doing enough,” Wilder said in regards to the student responses.
SOAR also has guest speakers and convocations lined up for the rest of the year to bring awareness to Southern’s diversity topic, including the Amazing Race Pitch Contest on Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in Ackerman Auditorium. With racially and ethnically diverse teams, students will compete to propose solutions to racial barriers on campus. The winning team will be given funds from SOAR to carry out their proposed solutions.
For more information about SOAR’s upcoming events, visit southern.edu/soar.