Editor's note: Article was updated to reflect a clarifying correction regarding Spectrum, an on-camps student organization.
Ball State’s Student Government Association (SGA) welcomed MOSAIC Peer Advocate Leader Izzy Thompson to the meeting on Nov. 6.
MOSAIC is a social justice peer education program whose mission is to “engage undergraduate students in open dialogues focused on diversity and social justice topics to promote awareness, change, and inter-group understanding,” according to Ball State University’s Multicultural Center website.
Thompson spoke to the senate about how to create inclusive spaces for all in the Muncie and Ball State community. To start the presentation, they emphasized that inclusive spaces come about when difficult discussions happen.
Make a Safe Place
Thompson said in order to make somewhere a “safe place,” there are necessary steps.
“We're offering mutual respect, and we're embracing mutual purpose,” they said, highlighting the democratic importance of civil disagreements.
Listen to People
Thompson said that in any conversation, it is important to ask open-ended questions and make sure to understand what someone is saying by paraphrasing while a person is talking. One shouldn’t make responses while the person is talking.
“We always want to make sure we understand before we speak,” they said.
Use “I” statements
They said one should also use “I” statements, especially during debates, when one is more likely to sound accusatory.
“Us[ing] ‘I’ statements show you're sharing from your own perspective,” Thompson said.
Everyone needs an opportunity to share
Thompson’s final step toward building a safe space was making sure everyone has a chance to share their thoughts on a topic, without feeling shut out by others.
Thompson said they are on the executive board of Spectrum, Ball State's oldest LGBTQ+ organization on campus, and when someone brings an idea to the board, the group opens up a discussion of the pros and cons of the ideas.
Thompson said to ask questions like, “Is it achievable?” And, “Will it be beneficial to our community?”
Moving on from the presentation, the senate went into executive reports. President Noah Poole discussed his transportation plan to make the bus routes more accessible to students during the upcoming basketball season.
Next week, Poole will be meeting with Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations, Isaac Shell to address this.
Poole is looking forward to working with marketing and getting more promotions out in the resident halls and on campus digital boards. He hopes the promotional efforts will make students aware of the different transportation options available.
Chief of Staff Chelsea Murdock updated the senate on the group's LGBTQ+ identity button campaign and those interested in participating in the campaign can reach out chelsea.murdock@bsu.edu.
SGA will be working closely with the campus counseling center on this campaign later this month and into December. Murdock said more information will be coming soon.
With no new or unfinished business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting open to the public is on Nov.13 at 3:15 p.m. at the L.A Pittenger Student Center.
Contact Shelby Anderson via email at sanderson9@bsu.edu
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