Katherine Wood
5W’s
Where: Austin, TX; St. Edward’s University
Why: To complete college, with Spanish major
When: Current day
What: Maintaining a busy life, overcoming barriers with Spanish
Interview Questions (work in progress):
2. What were your original inspirations?/Did you expect to pursue what you do now?
Idea Map
Kiana Kitchen
February 10, 2020
A mixture of alumni, professors, and students came together to discuss if colleges should focus on cold, hard truth, social inclusivity, or if both can be achieved.
“This university has a mission…an old fashion mission, to pursue the truth,” says Jack Musselman, the host of the event.
Colleges Must Choose: Pursue Truth or Justice event happened on January 30, in Fleck Hall at St. Edward’s University. The fusion discussion, held over lunch, covered the ongoing controversy of whether colleges should prioritize challenges and giving the truth, or pursue inclusivity, even if it means turning away these challenges. Input was crucial from any and all of the 15 people in the audience. Most of the audience had an agreement that the school can stick to pursuing the truth, but can offer inclusivity to its student body. This event was based on this article, focusing on if a school can achieve diversity in colleges while still retaining the same amount of free speech.
One of the alumni who had the view that social justice and truth can coexist explained that social justice cannot come across without challenges and learning. “Social justice is limited by lack of knowledge,” said the alumni. This was a part of the topic of controversial speakers, and if we should allow people with slightly conservative views on campus to speak to students, to approach them with the intent of gaining knowledge on their views.
“We don’t want students to feel uncomfortable, but it gets in the way of learning and reason,” mentioned another alumni, supporting the pursuit of truth.
Pursuing the truth comes with some challenges, including having to hear things that may make students feel uncomfortable, for the sake of gaining knowledge. However, a point was made that students may not always see it this way.
“Isn’t it [a college’s] responsibility to help a student feel safe?” says a retiree in the audience, “Let’s not invite that person, but put their views in perspective.”
With the use of past examples, such as the controversy over author Julie Bendel, a feminist who had views against the transgender community, giving a speech on campus, the conversation became very engaging, with the students inputing their own views with controversy on campus. The question is still open, however; should we keep students safe, even if we have to avoid sensitive topics, or pursue truthful challenges, even if it means coming out of that bubble?
This discussion is part of a series of community-based events by the Center of Ethics and Leadership, for more information on events, check out their website.