As a new class of freshmen begin their first year on The University of Mississippi’s campus, the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation is encouraging the new students to get involved in the ongoing discussion of race, both at the university and in the state.
The Winter Institute’s mission statement, according to its website, reads “(The Institute) works in communities and classrooms, in Mississippi and beyond, to support a movement of racial equity and wholeness as a pathway to ending and transcending all division and discrimination based on difference.”
Jennifer A. Stollman, academic director at the Winter Institute, feels becoming part of the discussion is an excellent way to not only get involved on campus, but also to get to know yourself.
“Part of the college experience is to enrich your experience and diversify,” Stollman said. “Take a course on something different, a culture that’s different from yours. Think about taking a different language. It’s a great way to flex your brain on issues and diversify. Make sure you go to campus events. There’s tons of campus events that help you step out of your comfort zone or even into a new comfort zone, again, enriching themselves in different cultures.”
Stollman feels freshmen are coming into an environment committed to righting the wrongs of the past in regards of race relations.
“Things aren’t perfect but (the freshmen) are coming into a campus that is genuinely and authentically invested in making this an inclusive and equitable climate,” Stollman said. “How we effectively deal with issues of race and racism through a collaborative approach is something the chancellor down to the students have to deal with. The freshmen are getting the experience they should.”
Stollman recognizes that Ole Miss is constantly under the eye of criticism when it comes to race relations.
“Other campuses have the luxury of dealing with their issues on a smaller scale, we don’t have that luxury,” she said. “Students here, however, come out with the ability to help resolve and reconcile these issues. If America wants to know where we all are on the issue of race, look to Mississippi. I think the nation looks to us to unpack and eradicate racism and in many ways we have been a model for the rest of the nation. How we do it will influence how other states are able to tackle racism. On all aspects of campus, (Ole Miss) wants to lead the nation on how to deal with racism.”
William Fowler, senior integrated marketing communications major, member of the ASB Inclusion Committee and an organizer of the Freedom Summer Workshop, encourages freshmen to get involved with race relations by taking advantage of opportunities and organizations to engage in the discussion of these topics and be honest with yourself about your environment.
“In the future, I think that continuing the discussion is important, as well as having the mindset that we work with people from all across the world from all different kinds of cultures,” Fowler said. “Having respect for the dignity of others is something we need to instill in not only this freshman class but all members of the community.”
Jack Thompson, freshman business undeclared major from Nashville, Tennessee, feels the university is doing its best to rid itself of the negative perception the rest of the country has for it.
“I honestly get the impression that Ole Miss as an institution and university is really trying to improve and differentiate from what used to be,” Thompson said. “I think they’re trying to take our history into account and make Ole Miss more than something that people can relate to racism. Ole Miss tries to show now that it’s more progressive in its views and acceptance and its culture.”
As an out-of-state student, Thompson said he’s been saddened by how people from out of state have viewed his choice to attend The University of Mississippi.
“(Ole Miss’ past in regards to race) does come up in conversation, it’s not difficult for me to explain why I came to Ole Miss though,” Thompson said. “It’s sad to see what people think Ole Miss stands for as opposed to what I see it as and know it stands for.”
Stollman said one event for freshmen looking to get involved in the discussion of race is the Freedom Summer Workshop, which will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the 4th floor Ballroom of the Student Union. The workshop is being held to not only recognize the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Summer but also look to the future and discuss what further progress can be made.
-Will Crockett
