"To my knowledge, it's the first time in my four years here that a discussion of that sort has happened with so many different communities represented. What was said is important, relevant and is not enough on the forefront of student's minds," said Liz Allen '06, who organized the event with Michelle Davis '07.
Shermaine Jones '06 spoke about an incident in which two Hanover Police officers alledgedly approached her and a friend at a concert and told them "we know you have the weed." Two white males, who went unquestioned by the police and sat behind Jones and her friend, were in fact the ones smoking marijuana.
"The officer was nonchalant when I protested and dismissed the possibility of why race played a factor in his approach in talking to me. It was very upsetting," she said.
Moreover, Jones said it is difficult to define a comfortable "space" in a black woman's social life, responding to a question from a member of the audience about the impact of the Greek system on race issues.
"Black women feel invisible, marginalized from the social spaces of Dartmouth," she said.
Natalie Allan '06 agreed that being a white female is a "privileged" position when it comes to dealing with authority figures such as Safety and Security or the police, because it is easier for her to get out of trouble.
"I can talk my way out of it, and they are courteous, even apologetic," she said.
There is even discrimination within one's own community, according to Jesse Sixkiller '06, who is Native American.
"People compare how much of an Indian are you," he said. "We have stereotypes of ourselves and we perpetuate those stereotypes."
Panel members also discussed the impacts of stereotyping as opposed to overt discriminatory practices. Soralee Ayvar '07, who is both Latino and Jewish, realizes the difficult students have with stereotypes.
"People want to put you in this box, and the moment you step out, people freak out," she said.
It can also be difficult to educate students about the diverse cultures that are represented on campus, although there are classes such as those from African and American Studies or the Native American Studies Program.
"There is a big majority who aren't taking these classes," Sixkiller said.
In the end, it is up to the individual to step outside one's comfort zone, Allan said.
