tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post3884955971376705100..comments2024-02-08T09:45:18.404-06:00Comments on The Soapbox: An Open Letter to Students and Alumni of Color at Wheaton CollegeBrian Howellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043527652997919446noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-64340226997815008522014-05-12T21:42:10.848-05:002014-05-12T21:42:10.848-05:00First of all, I would like to thank you for this m...First of all, I would like to thank you for this meaningful post. Wheaton has a unique roll within the broader evangelical movement in this country, and if it can really move to take action on these topics, I hope and pray that it can be a beacon for others to do the same.<br /><br />The one concern that I have with your post, and this comes from living and teaching within the African-American community for a number of years, is the term "white racism." I understand the historic issues surrounding this, but racism exists in all people groups, even those who have had to endure horrific deeds and words at the hands of whites. This may come across as defensive- I pray that it does not. In no way am I trying to say that whites should get a pass just because other people show discrimination, but neither should anyone else. If we are truly building a beloved community "For Christ and His Kingdom," then we all have to recognize the sin that infects us without negating the institutional and structural issues that must be dealt with as well. <br /><br />That said, I am praying with you and others that Wheaton would see a spiritual awakening around these issues. <br /><br />Coram DeoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-46896726068052508052014-04-28T09:50:39.748-05:002014-04-28T09:50:39.748-05:00The truth it that for many alumni of color, scars ...The truth it that for many alumni of color, scars that were covered in biblical language remain fresh despite decades of separation. To even hear of this incident reinforces the notion that after almost 20 years, the menacing ugliness we all experienced, often just under the surface, is still alive and well. The fact that the world after Wheaton has been kinder to many of us, and larger secular institutions of higher learning more accepting, makes it difficult for many of us to ever want to engage in this tired conversation at this institution yet again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-86569009237537389122014-04-28T09:49:44.469-05:002014-04-28T09:49:44.469-05:00The truth it that for many alumni of color, scars ...The truth it that for many alumni of color, scars that were covered in biblical language remain fresh despite decades of separation. The mere mention of this incident reinforces the notion that after almost 20 years, the menacing ugliness we all experienced, often just under the surface, is still alive and well. The fact that the world after Wheaton has been kinder to many of us, and larger secular institutions of higher learning more accepting, makes it difficult for many of us to ever want to engage in this tired conversation at this institution yet again.PaulSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-35358236317148928762013-12-19T08:19:14.998-06:002013-12-19T08:19:14.998-06:00Thank you for your post Dr. Howell. Praise God tha...Thank you for your post Dr. Howell. Praise God that President Ryken has made the issue of deepening ethnic diversity a top priority. My prayer is that as students, alumni, and otherwise rise to support his efforts, that the administration at large continues to follow suit. It is wonderful to hear about the progress already made with the BRIDGE program!Adam Garretthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12633101644139427248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-16143203101303439752013-12-12T12:27:10.364-06:002013-12-12T12:27:10.364-06:00Fantastic words - thank you for penning this, Dr. ...Fantastic words - thank you for penning this, Dr. Howell!Daniel Wattshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10839866446840415465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-58244156392555290062013-12-12T08:04:53.625-06:002013-12-12T08:04:53.625-06:00Brian, thank you for an excellent post!Brian, thank you for an excellent post!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02618151810795066798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-35127138314409048482013-12-11T11:33:37.285-06:002013-12-11T11:33:37.285-06:00That's just it; we've got more going on no...That's just it; we've got more going on now than just forums and public apologies. I won't go through all the responses again, because I don't want to seem that I'm defending what is a problem, but I don't think being "behind the curve" is the big problem. The problem is lack of forward motion. But given that we ARE moving forward, we can say that things are getting better and we should be hopeful, not discouraged.Brian Howellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02043527652997919446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-8431108431679426922013-12-11T11:27:16.211-06:002013-12-11T11:27:16.211-06:00I agree more people on campus are aware there are ...I agree more people on campus are aware there are issues to be addressed, but the community as a whole is DECADES behind the curve and throwing the same tired forums/committees/earnest town halls/breathless public apologies/short-term admissions strategies at the problem. Those without a vested interest in the school (like Danny) have stopped wondering if dear Wheaton can turn it around this time. Wheaton should thank their stars that someone like Danny still has the give-a-damn to speak out at all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-59546224255892880862013-12-11T10:56:15.687-06:002013-12-11T10:56:15.687-06:00Oh, I definitely do not want to be seen as counsel...Oh, I definitely do not want to be seen as counseling patience! No, I think we've had enough patience. Rather, I am counseling hopefulness. I don't believe the group of people of color who care about and/or are associated with Wheaton is getting smaller. Certainly among the faculty it is at the largest in our history. Wheaton is not what it should be, or could be, but I don't think we can honestly say that it is getting worse.Brian Howellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02043527652997919446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13054656.post-38121293866371671512013-12-11T10:40:55.323-06:002013-12-11T10:40:55.323-06:00Counseling patience is a time-honored way of excus...Counseling patience is a time-honored way of excusing unwillingness or incompetence. You are right that it's people who care about Wheaton that should "lean-in" but the problem (for Wheaton) is that group is getting smaller and smaller. With good reason. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com