DFS Week 3 Reaction

Directed Field Study Reaction - Week 3

This week I connected with Dr. Irey via phone. I emailed her the questions ahead of our meeting so that she could reflect and develop her answers. I then worked with her assistant to schedule a time for us to communicate. The purpose of these questions was to determine her approach to engaging stakeholders, gain insight into how she responds to the emotions and rationale of these stakeholders including students, and gain some tips for how best to approach sensitive subjects with intent of gaining buy in and ongoing support. The answers to those questions are listed below.

•  Have there been in changes to policy to address the students concerns?

Cabinet members met to decide how they would respond to students in the future regarding hate speech and other issues impacting student safety. They decided to provide safety information immediately. It has been there policy to do so. However, the practice has not been followed consistently. They are also looking at how and when they will answer questions to better respond to student needs. Dr. Irey's intent is to better educate students about cultural diversity, issues involving their safety, and encourage student responsibility with regard to free speech. She also works to educate the administration about the importance of understanding and responding to the needs of all students. Some policies won’t change. However, they are researching what is happening at other schools to determine some best practices that they may adopt. Some policies will take time and they will develop timelines. They are still working on their policies about racial discrimination. They are working on responding to students more quickly regarding safety issues. They are creating a poster against hate. They are providing some contact information so that students may contact someone immediately if they feel that their safety is in jeopardy. They also provide students with opportunities for meeting with Dr. Irey and other key cabinet members individually.

• What has been your approach to communicating the importance of giving specifics rather than blanket innocuous statements?

Dr. Irey gives them very specific information when meeting individually. However, when they are asking with more additional information, there are policies that dictate her response. She will share the speech that was used but not the specific student(s) who said it. She contacted a national Muslim group for guidance. The administration thought it best not to use the specific language in their campus-wide response. This is an effort not to celebrate the person for using discriminatory rhetoric. They also don’t communicate privacy information. They don’t give campus wide blanket information. Responses are dependent upon the questions. They can communicate how many hate crimes, but no specifics to the public. They also have to protect certain individuals especially if they are employees of the college. Dr. Irey admits that the school's communication to students has not been adequate. However, they now make sure all students, faculty and staff are reached when incidents occur. Dr. Irey's approach is to provide as much detail as possible while remaining cognizant of privacy laws. She states that not all vice presidents agree with her approach. Still, she believes in taking every opportunity to educate the student body. 

• What external agencies or persons have you reach out to for support? You spoke of a few. I was hoping you could elaborate.

Community organizations that Dr. Irey reached out to: Council of American Islamic Relations. She asked about the best way to address and educate students. She also contacts the Washington Attorney General's Office to ensure their communication does not violate law state and federal law. She also communicates with their board of trustees. She also connects with the City of Bellevue Police and Bellevue College Campus Safety for additional safety guidance. Finally, she engages with students to better understand their concerns and she take these concerns to her cabinet meetings. 

• What has been your observed reaction from the students affected by the comments? How have you addressed their concerns while showing sensitivity to their needs and representing the college?

Many of the students are really concerned. Those effected by the hate speech are concerned for their safety. However, their are those who are equally concerned about infringement upon their right to free speech. Recently, she sent campus-wide information about the start of Ramadan for student's education. However, she has received some negative reactions in response to the intended educational email. She was accused of violating student rights. Many students have stated that they can say something hateful because that’s a first amendment right. She replies to them individually and continues to use every interaction as an opportunity to advance their learning. Most don’t reply back.  Some asked her if she was going to acknowledge other holidays such as Easter. She responded to them indicating that she would acknowledge all holidays in an effort to educate, not celebrate. Her responses have more to with inclusion and diversity. Education is the primary focus. Even when she does not agree, she attempts to respond to them cordially with their continued learning and growth in mind.

• Finally, what are some tips that you can give to me when attempting to engage students, peers, and other leaders around key issues that are sensitive in nature?

Answer all emails and value all student points of view. She will often say that she needs to research and respond after. She also informs her president of what is going on so that he may weigh in on the issue(s). She also utilizes student leadership in supporting students and providing education. I gleaned  the following from her responses:

1. communicate consistently and value all student points of view
2. take the time to do research before giving an inadequate answer
3. communicate with knowledgeable others for support
4. engage other resources for support

The greatest gain from this week's interactions was flexibility and understanding. When I listened to Dr. Irey discuss her responses to student issues and her communications with the college cabinet, I heard her primary focus of student learning with regard to diversity and inclusion. I also gained an understanding for how she was able to adhere to multiple laws and college policy and still communicate her mission of educating the college community about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Her patience and understanding is also a skill that I can appreciate as I begin to develop my implementation plan for my PoP innovation.