This past week a symposium came to ISU; organizers say that is was designed to create the space for topics that are often overlooked in traditional classrooms. “So we’re here to support underrepresented topics and underrepresented groups. We want to make sure everyone feels welcomed on this campus and have a chance to talk about things that…aren’t sometimes in the mainstream of their classes… this is an event for students to talk about gender, sexuality; but also race, class, ability, nationality and so on. So again this is meant to be an inclusive space,” said Dr. Jason Whitesel.
More students are beginning to be more involved in groups outside of class as the university has seen a grow in diversity in groups from book club to witch club. While these spaces are meant to be welcoming, they also challenge students growth. “I think one of the things we do is we lead with kindness in women and gender studies. We make sure our students feel supported in having difficult conversations. I think college is a place where you have to work through discomfort, you have to learn a little bit about how to grapple with difficult material and work you way through it and come out on the other side that is how you learn,” said Dr. Whitesel. With the rise in conversation around gender, identity, and rights, groups and opportunities like there are more important than ever. Using research and experience, the students at this are leading the charge and pushing conversations forward.