PAUL SMITHS — Two students who dressed like Ku Klux Klan members at an off-campus Halloween party have sparked discussion of social justice at Paul Smith’s College.
College spokesman Ken Aaron said the costumes, which featured long white robes and pointed masks, were not intended in a spirit of hatred or as actions directed at any one person or group.
But the profound lack of sensitivity or awareness of how grossly inappropriate the act was has prompted college administration, staff and students to open discussion on diversity.
STUDENTS APOLOGETIC
When college administrators found out about the costumes worn to a private party last October, the two students were reprimanded.
“And that was swift,” said Aaron, who would not name the students.
“They both apologized profusely. They didn’t think about what they were doing, but it’s just as much of a problem that they didn’t think.
“But what they did raised some really salient points, which led us to realize, hey, we have to pay attention to this.”
With about 800 students, the private college is situated in the Adirondack forest, with little or no urban culture and very few people of color in the sparsely populated, rural towns nearby.
“A consensus emerged,” Aaron said, “that we have more work to be done here. We realized we still have an obligation to educate these students so they will understand how and why their actions were hurtful.”
A number of students expressed disdain at the Halloween costumes, Aaron said.
WOUND OPENED
The college sought the assistance of J.W. Wiley, director of the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion at Plattsburgh State.
Wiley moderated a “town meeting” at Paul Smith’s College Monday night.
Of the 500 people who attended, 400 were students, said Mike Harrington, chief student affairs officer at Paul Smith’s College.
“What we realized was that the incident last semester opened a wound that has been rumbling under the surface. There were issues and concern around the idea of whether or not our college community is practicing good social justice. We needed to open that door. This (insensitivity) is not going to go away by itself.”
The meeting lasted nearly three hours, Harrington said.
Aaron characterized the tone of the meeting as very respectful.
“People weren’t shouting; it was very productive. We realized issues of diversity are not a one-way-street. People of all races, cultures, creeds have their own ‘isms’, if you will.”
MOVING AHEAD
Harrington said students began to recognize differences in their college community.
“One of the things that came up — and we talked about race because it was right in front of us — (is) there are other differences here in gender, in socioeconomic class, in religion.
“We talked about how the forestry students might be characterized because of the way they look, because of what they wear — and the same for culinary students.”
But finding a way to provide sound education about social justice in an insular, primarily white community emerged as a larger goal.
“From here, we will decide how to move forward,” Harrington said, “whether it’s with a diversity initiative or developing (pluralism) programs at the college level in order to educate our students. We want them to be able to graduate as civically engaged members of society with an open mind to social justice and diversity.”
COLLEGE APPLAUDED
Wiley said the “town meeting” was an excellent start.
“I can tell you the type of thing that happened at Paul Smith’s College unfortunately happens on most college campuses,” he said Tuesday in a phone interview.
“I visit a lot of campuses, and while it’s not always people putting on clan attire, it’s a level of insensitivity that happens everywhere.
“The fact that the college administration is not only aware of it but is acting on it is a feather in their cap.”
Wiley said social-justice education can be fostered in a multi-faceted program that starts at student orientation.
“They have to professionally develop their faculty, challenge their students in terms of leadership to step up to roles that include notions of social justice,” Wiley said.
“Leadership is more than being appointed to a position; you have to take the time to raise the consciousness of people.
“Then the community needs to be invited into their discussion.
“It was an amazing moment last night. You could tell they (the college community) were invested in trying to address what they saw as a major concern. I think they should be very proud of themselves.
“Everybody stands to benefit from it; everybody stands to grow.”
E-mail Kim Smith Dedam at: kdedam@pressrepublican.com
Local News
KKK costumes an issue at local campus
- Breaking News
-
-
Burlington hospital makes interim chief permanent
Fletcher Allen Health Care announced today that Dr. John Brumsted will move from interim to permanent president and CEO.
-
Burlington hospital makes interim chief permanent
- New Today
-
-
Recovery Center to open next week
Smashing stereotypes and eliminating the stigma of mental-health issues has led to formation of a new place in Franklin County for clients to get wrap-around services to help them rejoin the community.
-
Recovery Center to open next week
- Local News
-
-
Ticonderoga faces severe school cuts
The district is starting its new budget process almost $2 million in the hole. Officials are seeking public input on the problem.
-
One injured in Plattsburgh house fire
A female suffered second- and third-degree burns in a fire at her South Catherine Street home early Sunday.
-
Plattsburgh's Sweet Adelines sing music of the heart
Sweet Adelines spread message of love on Valentine's Day with yearly singing valentines.
-
Love between the lines
Dr. Nell Irvin Painter of New Russia and Plattsburgh State's Dr. J.W. Wiley share historical and current viewpoints on interracial loving, American-style.
-
NCCS wins CVAC cheerleading competition
NCCS wins first place for the eighth time in nine years
-
Cheerleading photos (2/12/12)
-
Tentative contract reached with officers
The deal with New York state would cover the 2,800 members of the New York State Correction Officers and Police Benevolent Association who typically work at specialized state centers such as the Sunmount Development Disabilities Services Office in Tupper Lake.
-
Lookback: Feb. 13-19
News stories from around the region from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago this week.
-
Of Interest: Feb. 13, 2012
Peru Central School Board to hold budget discussion; Dannemora to discuss highway post; Beekmantown School Board invites budget input; Willsboro School Board to discuss policies; Chazy School Board to discuss budget; SLCS Board to appoint clerk pro-tem; Keeseville Zoning Board cancels meeting; Elizabethtown-Lewis School Board to work on budget.
-
Gourds' shapes create interesting canvas
Georgette Bacon's gourd art is on display through March 10 at Foothills ARTSociety in Malone.
- February 12, 2012
-
NCCS wins CVAC cheerleading competition
NCCS wins first place for the eighth time in nine years
-
One injured in Plattsburgh house fire
A female suffered second- and third-degree burns in a fire at her South Catherine Street home early Sunday.
-
Plattsburgh's Sweet Adelines sing music of the heart
Sweet Adelines spread message of love on Valentine's Day with yearly singing valentines.
-
Ticonderoga faces severe school cuts
The district is starting its new budget process almost $2 million in the hole. Officials are seeking public input on the problem.
-
Tentative contract reached with officers
The deal with New York state would cover the 2,800 members of the New York State Correction Officers and Police Benevolent Association who typically work at specialized state centers such as the Sunmount Development Disabilities Services Office in Tupper Lake.
-
Attempted-murder trial set
The case against Robert J. McCann, who is charged with trying to kill his former girlfriend at a secluded Westville site, begins Tuesday in Franklin County Court.
-
A historic battle for interracial marriage
Forty-five years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all remaining state bans on interracial marriage in Loving v. Virginia.
-
Fireworks to close weekend carnival
The final day of the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is filled with activities and events. INCLUDES VIDEO
-
Ticonderoga faces severe school cuts
- Recent Article Comments






