“The Anti-Racism Team is working on a long-range plan for institutional change at Guilford College,” Director of Multicultural Education Judy Harvey said. “We are trying to become an anti-racist institution. ”
The Anti-Racism Team, now in its second year, was formed to analyze racism at the college. It is part of Crossroads Ministry, which was formed in 1986 to develop strategies to fight institutionalized racism in the United States. Harvey and Santes Beatty, Director of African American Affairs & Multicultural Service, are team members.
Last year, the team had 38 members who agreed to serve for two to three years. Now the team is looking for new members. Applications are due Feb 16.
“As a white person, I had a lot to learn from being on the Anti-Racism Team: the historical roots of oppression, the continuing effects racism has on the world we live in, and most importantly, how I benefit from the inherent racism encouraged by and practiced in our country’s institutions,” said senior Carrie Brady, who has been on the team both this year and last year.
Harvey has larger goals for the team this year. She emphasizes focusing on racism at the college.
“Even though Guilford has a Quaker heritage and Quakers are historically interested in issues of justice, we can’t assume that we don’t have issues with racism at Guilford,” Harvey said. “Now we are trying to understand how racism functions at Guilford specifically and develop a 20 – 30 year plan that will help us address racism.”
Brady is pleased about the team’s potential for growth.
“I am incredibly excited to see the potential for team growth with this application process and forsee anti-racism efforts to be instrumental to Guilford’s success as a Quaker institution in the future,” Brady said.
The team sponsors Anti-Racism forums throughout the semester, and they began a two-credit seminar last semester. The seminar is held every Monday. Last semester, eight students enrolled in the seminar; this semester, 14.
The seminar is open to anyone who completes one of the two half-day Anti-Racism workshops, and wants to continue to study those ideas.
“We come together as colleagues to push our own thinking and deepen our understanding of how racism works and our part in it,” Harvey said.
Students in this semester’s seminar are excited about the experience.
“I’m looking forward to learning more about gatekeeping and about solving problems of racism in our country,” first-year Leanna Landry said.
“I am taking the anti-racism seminar to continue a focused dialogue on an issue that is so important to our society as a whole and also to take away ideas on how to generate positive discussions surrounding race in a classroom setting,” senior Sarah Marshall said.
Those who want more information on the Anti-Racism team, forums, or seminar should contact Harvey at 316-2443.