CAMPUS
A question of race relations
Panelists discuss cultural differences, other questionable topics
BY ALEESE KOPF
akopf@kansan.com
Racial dialogue was the topic last night at Ellsworth Hall where nearly 80 students of different backgrounds showed up for the "Ask a Black Person a Question" panel.
The event, inspired by a Dave Chappelle skit and a similar event held by Queers and Allies, called "Ask A Queen A Question," sought to provide an open dialogue about race relations and black culture in general. A panel of six African Americans, either on campus or somehow connected to the campus, answered questions posed by audience members.
"The purpose of the program is to bring about a better understanding of cultural differences," said James McIntosh, a senior from Kansas City, Kan., and organizer of the program. "I think that's something that kind of goes under the radar here at KU."
McIntosh said the program is meant for students of other cultural backgrounds to ask questions about black people as a means of creating an interracial dialogue in a safe and open-minded environment.
He said there are not a lot of minorities who are able to be role models on campus and that the few individuals portraying certain characteristics are associated with the entire race. He said the program was meant to tear down some of those stereotypes
and misconceptions.
Cody Charles, complex director of Lewis and Templin residence halls, said while the program is designed for other cultures to ask questions about black people, it was also beneficial for black students to create discussion amongst themselves and be a part of how they are represented on campus.
The program, now in its third year, encourages tough questions. Panelists understand some questions may be touchy or stereotypical, but they attempt to answer everything and eliminate some of the misconceptions of black people.
When asked if he thought it was appropriate to use the "N" word, Dr. Marvin McIntosh, James McIntosh's father, a physician in the Kansas City area, said it was a word that should never be used by anyone.
Opinions varied, however, with some panelists thinking it was acceptable to use the word in some circumstances and others thinking the word has come to hold a different meaning.
Dr. McIntosh said another question was the difference between "what is accepted and what is tolerated" on campus. He said he thought other cultures are simply tolerated.
"The 'N' word has a particular connotation and it will always have that no matter how you use it," Dr. McIntosh said.
Jordan Brown, president of the Black Student Union and a senior
PANELISTS
Dr. Marvin McIntosh, a physician in the Kansas City area and KU alumnus Dr. Dorothy Pennington, current KU professor Cody Charles, complex director of Lewis and Templin residence halls Jordan Brown, president of the Black Student Union and a senior at KU Lanisha Harrel, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and a senior at KU Marshanda Willingham, current freshman at KU
Carynn Smith, a senior from Leavenworth and co-organizer of the event, said panelists have different life experiences and backgrounds that contribute to the dialogue. The panelists also differed in age as well.
from Bloomington, Ala., said he doesn't necessarily feel like a "preferred customer" on campus.
"I think it works really well because not all of them are from the same path, have experienced the same thing or have the same opinions," Smith said.
The chancellor received an
"A lot of the time I may be the only black person in a class and I have to represent my whole race in the classroom," Brown said.
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Texas A&M professor named new KU provost
BY ERIN BROWN
ebrown@kansan.com
Jeffrey S. Vitter, a professor of computer science and former provost at Texas A&M University, was named the new KU provost
and executive vice chancellor Monday.
"I am very pleased that Jeff Vitter will join KU in this important leadership role," Chancellor
Bernadette Gray-Little said in a prepared statement. "He brings extensive academic and administrative experience, from faculty member at Brown to department chair at Duke, to dean at Purdue and provost at Texas A&M. He also has an outstanding record as a scholar."
Vitter will assume the post July 1 and will also hold the title of professor in the department of electrical engineering and computer science.
Vitter
Vitter's wife, Sharon Weaver Vitter, graduated from the University with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy in 1978, prompting the Vitters to frequently visit Kansas.
"We just love coming back here," Vitter said in a teleconference with reporters Monday. "The people are very pleasant
to be around."
Vitter said one of the greatest challenges he will face at KU is promoting the University nationally and bringing attention to its attributes and accomplishments.
"I think as welcoming as the Midwestern ethic is, it is also one of extreme humility," Vitter said.
Vitter said the University's broad spectrum ranging from fine arts and social sciences to physical sciences and professional schools adds to its strength and rich tradition of comprehensive excellence.
Considering the current budget situation and constraints at the University, Vitter expressed the
need to find new resources through res e a r c h opportunities, foundations and agencies, or through fund raising.
"I think there are always opportunities, even in low-budget
Vitter also discussed his commitment to the chancellor's priorities and the need for synergy and collaboration among all areas and departments. At Texas A&M, he led the development of a master academic plan and said he learned the importance of communica-
times, to make the most of what you have," Vitter said. "We have to make sure that we are using our resources in the most effective way and we have to work hard to raise new resources."
future of the state and the country.
"I think there are always opportunities...to make the most of what you have."
"I just believe so passionately that education, especially higher education, is so crucial for the future of the state and the country," he said. "The University has a very important role to play in training our future leaders and I am very excited to be playing a part in that."
Despite the state budget crisis, Vitter emphasized the importance of higher education and the University's role in the economic
JEFFREY S. WITTER
new KU provost,
vice chancellor
See Vitters' biography at kansan.com/news.
tion and transparency in order to build strong links with people on campus.
Vitter said his experiences with KU alumni have illustrated the quality of the University and he is excited
"They're always just ecstatic and all they want to talk about is how much the University meant to them," he said. "It puts things in perspective and makes you realize how special a place - a university - like KU is."
to become a part of the campus environment.
Edited by Anna Archibald
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