After Election Day, Racial Dialogue Topic Of Weekly 'frank' Chat At Baylor U.

Frankly Speaking, a weekly meeting held Tuesday by the Baylor University Department of Multicultural Activities, focused on the Nov. 4 racial incidents on campus. (UWIRE) -- The goal of the weekly discussions is to offer a safe environment for participants to feel comfortable expressing their opinions and beliefs. As an opportunity to connect students, faculty and staff, the program seeks to be a learning experience for all involved, according to the department's Web site.

"These discussions are really thought-provoking," Baylor sophomore Eddie Seto said. "People add different perspectives and it's interesting when faculty and staff add their opinions. The meetings address topics Baylor sets aside."

The discussion lasted an hour, but students were welcome to continue discussion either in the room or in the staff members' offices, said Julie Smith, a graduate assistant who works with Frankly Speaking.

During the Tuesday meeting, faculty and staff members were present to contribute to the dialogue and listen to students' concerns.

"I thought it was really nice," Houston freshman Stanley Staton said. "Everyone got their message out and it was great that administration was there. Hopefully they can relay some of the messages."

Houston junior Chrystal Buckner said she attended because she felt, for change to start, it has to be a personal responsibility first.

"I can't be upset if I stay silent," she said. "It's an education. You fear what you don't know."

The events that unfolded on election night were confusing for students like senior Matt Winter, who said the open discussion helped him understand the situation that had been shrouded in mystery.

"There was a certain amount of tension when it started," he said. "But as the hour went on people became more easy-going."

"I appreciated that Baylor staff was so frank about what they had been told too," he added. "I think the discussions should continue, but I wish we could better find out who did it."

Frankly Speaking was first started almost three years ago, said Pearl Beverly, director of Multicultural Activities.

"It stemmed out of students coming to my office," she said. "Sometimes I'd have 10 to 12 students sitting in my office, just talking about life in general."

The size of the group has fluctuated and is now run by graduate students, Beverly added. The discussion topics come from issues in the news or on the Baylor campus.

Last year, the group explored topics affecting students, ranging from Greek life to whether Baylor should allow homosexual organizations to be recognized on campus.

"My favorite discussion so far this year has been about masculinity in the media," Seto said.

Staton added that his favorite topic was about a safe place for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders.

"The idea is that a faculty member that feels comfortable discussing these issues can put a sign on their door or backpack to let students know they can come talk there," Staton said.

Frankly Speaking meets every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Fentress room of the Bill Daniel Student Center and is open to all students.