Campus conversation following up on Ferguson – Dec. 1

The world is still reacting to a grand jury’s decision not to issue indictments in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, and many Elon students have approached campus leaders about channeling their energy into constructive social change.

To that end, a conversation led by staff members from the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education Please will take place Monday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. in the Lakeside Meeting Rooms.

The hour discussion will consist of organic conversations around small tables. The first half of the event focuses on participants’ current feelings and understandings followed by a second part asking, “Where do we go from here?”

The event is limited to Elon students, staff and faculty. No RSVP is needed.

Elon University held in August a panel discussion, “Lessons with Ferguson, MO“, that provided an initial exploration of the case and some of the systemic issues it represents, such as stereotypes, excessive force and social justice. The video of that forum can be viewed below.

“We firmly believe that engaging in thoughtful discourse can produce solutions for some of our most challenging problems, both on our campus and in the larger society,” said Randy Williams, Elon University’s presidential fellow, special assistant to the president and dean of Multicultural Affairs. “Now that the Ferguson decision has been made and more information is available, we urge you to engage in personal reflection and conversation – the first step toward the social change we desire.”

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, a racial reconciliation worship service will be held in Numen Lumen Pavilion.