Epps Proposes Diversity Films

The College will take a proactive stance on race relations in the newly randomized upperclass houses this year, expanding existing programs and introducing new ones, Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III said yesterday.

The College will likely take a two-pronged approach to revamping current race relations programs, he said, concentrating on a film series and forging stronger links between the Mediation Service and the houses.

"In managing diversity you have to keep working on the dynamics of change," Epps said.

The package of 30 films addressing different aspects of diversity was proposed by former Cabot House race relations tutor Crystal Byndloss.

"Sometimes it's hard to initiate discussion of racial issues," Byndloss said, adding that she felt the films could spur conversation.

Byndloss initially wanted Cabot House to purchase the films, but the videos were too expensive for Cabot House to buy itself. Instead, she wants the films to be on reserve at University Hall for any tutor to access.

"[The films] are about $100 apiece, which is a bit much for the Cabot House budget," Byndloss said. "I thought the College could buy them and use them as a lending library would, letting tutors from different houses borrow them and use them however they choose."

The tapes range from a profile of black female writers like Maya Angelou and Alice Walker to a case study of college students being trained to deal with issues of diversity.

Epps said he plans to meet with several deans and race relations tutors once the tapes arrive to determine the role they will play in campus-wide programming.

"These tapes can be a powerful tool in the houses, but the first step will be showing them to tutors," Epps said.

Mediation

Epps also said the character of the Mediation Service, comprised of both students and faculty, will change during the coming year.

"At present, the mediation program works as cases arise," Epps said. "Our goal is to have [mediators] work within each house and run programming such as the film series."

The Mediation Service is a team of students, faculty and staff trained by the Conflict Management Group, a private company in Cambridge. The service is coordinated by Assistant Dean of Students Sarah E. Flatley and divided into managerial committees.

Tutors and deans may refer specific cases to the mediation office in Holworthy basement, or individuals can make appointments to speak with mediators themselves.

"There's a big difference between debate and dialogue," said mediator Sarah E. Jackson '98. "Our goal is to make sure people communicate effectively."

Mediators are trained in facilitated listening, a skill Epps said is useful for all students because "learning to listen helps prepare you to avoid stereotyping."

Linking the service to specific houses will help both mediators and students.

"I think it would make sense because students don't [currently] take advantage of the service," Jackson said.

"The success of race relations within a house is dependent on dealing in a democratic way with issues of race, class and gender. There needs to be a space for dialogue," he said.

If the administration follows through on its programming initiative, mediators may eventually assist house tutors in stimulating just such a dialogue among students.

"Good communication is a skill we can all stand to benefit from, particularly if we're suddenly living with people that are very different from ourselves," Jackson said.

Discussions focussed on developing listening skills and understanding race relations are designed to educate students in the nuances of diversity in randomized houses.

"In light of randomization, some of the houses may be addressing issues they haven't in the past and this program could help," Byndloss said

"In light of randomization, some of the houses may be addressing issues they haven't in the past and this program could help," Byndloss said