To an individual outside of the Syracuse University campus community, it may seem like the unrest that gave rise to Recognize Us, and a general feeling of division on campus, started after the release of the Theta Tau videos this spring.

That’s not the case.

There seem to be underlying issues at play that go beyond students’ social lives, which help to create this environment. But that can all change, beginning with the right education. That’s where the SEM 100 program comes in.

“The purpose of SEM 100 is to promote a respectful campus environment for all,” said Kishi Animashaun Ducre, associate dean of diversity, equality and inclusion at the College of Arts and Sciences, in an email.

Ducre said that, while the course is being held after the Theta Tau incident, the issues SEM 100 addresses run much deeper than the now-defunct fraternity’s expulsion.

“I am pragmatic about the goals of this course,” she said. “I don’t expect it to change folks’ ideologies, particularly those rooted in narrow-minded ideas of supremacy and subordination – those will require a commitment by more social institutions than just Syracuse University or even higher education as a whole.”

While there’s a reason to be skeptical about the effectiveness of the program, the potential of the program is great. It’s clear that the university is putting its full, genuine effort toward the success of SEM 100. SU has provided the course’s text, “Born a Crime,” by Trevor Noah, free to students. SU is also bringing in guest speakers such as Noah himself, who will be on campus next semester.

That potential of SEM 100 will be squashed if students don’t put in work. The key to the program’s success will be the buy-in from students and faculty.

It seems to be off to a good start. Students who volunteered to get involved with SEM 100 have shown tremendous passion for the project.

“I wanted to get a chance to be involved in facilitating important conversations about diversity and inclusion here on campus,” said Erin Murphy, a junior peer facilitator for the course.

The involvement and dedication of students leading the program is essential. But more importantly, the interest of the course’s audience needs to be apparent. SU has required the course, and it will count for credit toward each freshman’s home college seminar requirement.

But the kind of change that SU needs cannot come simply by checking boxes and moving students through the system. Any students interested in the prosperity of the campus community, who want to truly make the most of their college experience, should put their heart and soul into SEM 100 coursework.

SEM 100 could be great, if students want it to be.

James Pezzullo is a junior public relations major. His column appears biweekly. He can be reached at jpezzull@syr.edu and followed on Twitter @JamesPezzullo.

Published on October 3, 2018 at 7:24 pm