UW-Madison Chancellor John Wiley met with students and faculty to address campus climate issues in the second of a three-part listening session series last night.
During the session, concerns were raised about the well-being of students of color on campus who feel threatened by hate crimes and discrimination stemming from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Wiley reported that neither the Madison Police Department nor the Campus Islamic Center have had reports of incidents that can be attributed to the terrorist attacks, but said that 15 incidents have been reported to him that range in magnitude from verbal assault and the use of racial epithets to physical altercations.
Chancellor Wiley has urged students to use official channels of reporting, either through the Campus Police, the Madison Police Department, or the dean of students offices. However, the lack of reports prompted UW senior Sarah Kaiksow to question official channels and other the resources available to students wishing to report threats of violence or discrimination.
“People fear the humiliation of reporting something are not being taken seriously,” Kaiksow said. “There is also a historical lack of trust for some students of color.”
Gurbax Sekhon, a professor of pediatrics, geriatrics and oncology, reported a verbal confrontation happening recently with students on campus.
“Coming out of a building I was cornered by four students and asked ‘Which building are you going to bomb next?'” Sekhon said.
Sekhon, a long-time resident who is native to India, said he believes these types of instances are products of a lack of education. He added that while he is not bothered by instances such as the one described, he is concerned about the students and children that are subject to a threatening and discriminatory climate.
“There needs to be more education on campus,” Sekhon said.
Underscoring the importance of educating students and faculty, Chancellor Wiley discussed his intent, in collaboration with University Communications, of an effort to educate students through articles in campus newspapers, discussions and forums. Articles might include addressing cultural aspects of students of color, educating students about topics such as traditional headdress.
“We have targeted students in the dormitories for events and discussion, and faculty through forums and workshops. The real problem is the people that really need the education are the hardest to reach,” Wiley said. “I do think that it is having an effect — people are hearing the message.”
Wiley also shared a pamphlet addressing hate crimes that the Madison Police Department will be distributing around the UW campus.
Indicating some frustration about the discriminating events taking place on campus and concern for the victims, Wiley remained optimistic that students and faculty would rise to the challenges facing the UW.
“One good thing coming from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is that it has created an enormous teaching opportunity,” Wiley said.
Judith Manning, a senior lecturer at the UW, said the listening session opened her eyes to the threat that people were feeling, and she expressed hope that others would make the realization as well.
“It never dawned on me that people are scared,” Manning said. “Everyone just seems to avoid talking about it, and I never truthfully realized that people feel threatened.”
