Alcorn students discuss issues of social profiling in USA
Alcorn students discuss issues of social profiling in USA
On September 11, 2013, a crowd of over 150 students, faculty and staff gathered in the James L. Bolden Campus Union Ballroom for the “Who Fits the Profile? Lessons from Travon, Fruitvale Station, and 9/11” panel discussion where they talked about the issues of social and racial profiling in the U.S.
A diverse panel of experts comprised of Alcorn faculty, staff and students presented the issues from a variety of angles and let the students share their experiences and opinions.
“This event gave our students an exposure to diverse perspectives around the issue of profiling and, ultimately, an opportunity to come together as an Alcorn community to determine what steps can be taken to address the problem in their own lives and in their own communities,” stated C. Rob Shorette II, presidential ombudsman for administrative affairs at Alcorn State University. “Additionally, we felt it was important for students to share some of their thoughts and experiences with each other. Often the most powerful moments are when we share with and learn from each other, as those are the times that we realize how much our colleagues and classmates have to offer.”
Aria Powell, a senior majoring in pre-nursing and psychology shared that her perspective on profiling has changed after the discussion, “We need to remember to judge ourselves before we judge others. No more stereotyping.”
Ryan Fuentes, a senior majoring in biology, came to this event because he has been a victim and also had taken part in racial profiling himself. “Profiling affects so many people. We get sucked into what society wants us to be.
Brian Davis Jr., a sophomore with an undeclared major, shared that he found the conversations to be thought provoking and encouraging, “We don’t need to stand in the background, we need to take action and make changes.”
The event was sponsored by the Office of the President, the Office of Educational Equity and Inclusion and the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. For more information, contact Shorette at [email protected] .
