Racism in the University AFAM/WMST 2020 Valdosta State University

Introduction Our purpose in presenting this issue is to recognize that there is racism occurring within the University System in every state. Presented By: Mark Morley Ieisha Gibson Maya Johnson Shikera Howard Jessica Lasseter

Topics of Discussion Topic One: Racism in Fraternities and Sororities Topic Two: Racism Within Sports Topic Three: Racism in the University Dormitory

Topic One: Racism Within Fraternities and Sororities Characteristics of Fraternities and Sororities –Development of Personal Character –Friendship –Leadership –Community Service –Good Citizenship

Although fraternities and sororities are organizations of these certain values and characteristics, there is an issue of racism that plays a tremendous role in these organizations

Examples of Racism Within Fraternities and Sororities The sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta at the University of Georgia, would not allow an African- American girl to join their organization because of her race.

Another Example The fraternity, Sigma Nu, made a racial slur to African-American students at Valdosta State University, who were jogging past the Sigma Nu fraternity house.

Racism in Sports Mouners attend Byrdsong’s Funeral –Evanston, Illinois –Black Man –Victim of a white supremacist that went on a shooting rampage –Killed in front of 2 of his 3 children –He was only 43 when he was killed

Racism in Sports –Lawsuit also sued the university and Athletic Director Paul Griffin. –Alleges Winters, the team coach, often used racial slurs referring to blacks, segregation on road trips, treating black players harshly, and separating them by color during practice. Former South Florida basketball player sues coach for racism –University of South Florida in Tampa –Dione Smith, former player, filed a lawsuit to the U.S. District Court claiming that blacks were segregated and singled out.

Racism in the Dormitory Creates a problem because living situations should be easy going and not tense. Occurs at every university all over the United States.

Racism in the Dormitory On dorm room door, white males hung the confederate flag to show their “whiteness” and to show their racial privilege. At a dorm in Alabama, there were little black dolls hanging from nearby trees around the dorm to represent the lynchings of African Americans in the years before In dorms all over the U.S., roommate selection usually pairs people of the same race together. Residents of Braxton Dormitory at Duke University found racially offensive messages etched into their door and then on their dry-erase board.

Real Life At some time or another, minority students will experience racism at their university, either directly or indirectly.

What Does This Mean? We need to come together as a university to put an end to the harm racism is causing to so many individuals. We can encourage participation between all races in activities on campus.

Next Steps We are all pieces of the puzzle of life and we need to work together to make it all fit perfectly

Thank you!!!!!! Mark Morley Ieisha Gibson Maya Johnson Shikera Howard Jessica Lasseter