Cristin O’Leary Senior, 2006, Political Science, [email protected]

After reading Alex Pauline’s article, “Forum opened to all after discrimination complaints,” I am left extremely disappointed by the statements of Professor Robin Chandler. Having had Professor Chandler in her Introduction to Women’s Studies class in Spring 2005, I am especially concerned about how I, along with the other 50 plus students in her class, were being perceived and judged by our professor.

As a professor in the African American Studies and Women’s Studies Departments, I would expect Professor Chandler to recognize that generalizing entire races of people through sweeping statements such as “two white students based on white privilege”; “lack of awareness of racial issues” and “lack of generosity of spirit” defines racism, a concept that a professor of her station should be working to eradicate.

My understanding is that the forum was intended to discuss issues facing “women of color,” so as to prepare for a future meeting that would include all “colors.” Having family members of mixed races and ethnicities, I am confused as to what category they would fall into, and how “colored” their skin would have to be in order to be accepted into a forum such as this. At this point in time, it seems evident that one’s economic background, experiences, or even their race can be assumed based on the color of their skin.

Those holding the forum did not categorize what a “white person” is, or what constitutes a “person of color,” or what defines the difference. It seems the forum served to further accentuate the differences between “colors” because of its exclusivity. As stated in the article, the forum did not attract many “white” people. But, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tried to teach all of us, those that presented themselves for the dialogue should “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

After reading Professor Chandler’s comments, questions arose concerning professors’ bias regarding race, which should not occur in an academic environment. I would expect academic staff at Northeastern to treat all students equally, despite whatever stereotypes and perceptions may be attached to their appearance and I am deeply dismayed by these recent comments.