An interesting at Morehouse College where there is a course (for the first time in its history) on being offered on LGBT culture and identity. This follows significant controversy last year about the rights of gay and transgender students to express themselves on campus. Morehouse is known for both its connection to the civil rights movement (via Martin Luther King, Jr., Benjamin Mays and others) and its conservative culture among administration leaders. The comments following the story reflect the tension between the LGBT and conservative Black community. Thoughts?
Link: http://www.blackbluedog.com/2013/01/news/first-ever-lgbt-class-begins-at-morehouse-college-students-voice-their-reaction/
Given the comments made by many of the people after the article, it is easier to understand why this is the first class on LGBT being offered. While some of the students probably disagree with the establishment of the class, it is impressive that the college responded to student voice to create it. This makes me think about the purposes of higher education and the different missions of different institutions. Does higher education have an obligation to teach about diversity issues regardless of the history of the institution or the campus climate? I wonder where Morehouse will change from here.
ReplyDeleteWow. Definitely a controversial issue. Suzi, after your comment I did a bit of researching about Morehouse's mission.
ReplyDeletePart of Morehouse's mission:
As such, the College offers instructional programs in three divisions - business and economics, humanities and social sciences, and science and mathematics - as well as extracurricular activities that:
-develop skills in oral and written communications, analytical and critical thinking, and interpersonal relationships;
-foster an understanding and appreciation of world cultures, artistic and creative expression, and the nature of the physical universe;
-promote understanding and appreciation of the specific knowledge and skills needed for the pursuit of professional careers and/or graduate study, and;
-cultivate the personal attributes of self-confidence, tolerance, morality, ethical behavior, spirituality, humility, a global perspective, and a commitment to social justice.
The last measure leads me to believe that a course on LGBT culture and identity would align with the mission of Morehouse in regards to tolerance and a commitment to social justice. Obviously the campus climate has created this tension. I, too, am interested to see how Morehouse's campus climate will be like 10 years from now.
Wow. Definitely a controversial issue. Suzi, after your comment I did a bit of researching about Morehouse's mission.
ReplyDeletePart of Morehouse's mission:
As such, the College offers instructional programs in three divisions - business and economics, humanities and social sciences, and science and mathematics - as well as extracurricular activities that:
-develop skills in oral and written communications, analytical and critical thinking, and interpersonal relationships;
-foster an understanding and appreciation of world cultures, artistic and creative expression, and the nature of the physical universe;
-promote understanding and appreciation of the specific knowledge and skills needed for the pursuit of professional careers and/or graduate study, and;
-cultivate the personal attributes of self-confidence, tolerance, morality, ethical behavior, spirituality, humility, a global perspective, and a commitment to social justice.
The last measure leads me to believe that a course on LGBT culture and identity would align with the mission of Morehouse in regards to tolerance and a commitment to social justice. Obviously the campus climate has created this tension. I, too, am interested to see how Morehouse's campus climate will be like 10 years from now.
Good job looking up the mission of Morehouse, Lauren.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I wonder how much mission statements mean when they change over time.
Last week in Dr. Cain's 571 class, we talked about institutional missions and how they have evolved over time. My question is: how long has the current mission statement been in place?