The Stephen F. Austin State University Office of Multicultural Affairs has developed a new series allowing for open and honest discussion of difficult topics among the SFA and Nacogdoches communities.
Touching on racial tensions, police relations and LGBT issues, the first Brave Space Series will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the Multimedia Room on the second floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.
“Our goal with Brave Space is more conversation rather than a lecture or presentation,” said Dr. Griselda Flores, OMA assistant director. “It was developed with the goal of allowing students to express the way they feel about issues that have been going on recently in our society. So we are providing a space where they can speak about however it is they may feel and agree to disagree. We want their input.”
The Brave Space Series is the first of its kind to be hosted through the OMA. Though the office offers diversity- and unity-based programs throughout the year, the series is new and offers a unique opportunity.
“We specifically called it ‘Brave Space’ instead of ‘Safe Space’ because a lot of times when you say safe space, people think everyone is going to feel comfortable,” said Veronica Weaver, OMA director. “But that’s not necessarily the case. Participants will have to be open to having conversations that might be tough.”
The first Brave Space Series is titled “Your Racial Perspective.” The second will deal with LGBT issues and will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, in the Tiered Classroom located on the second floor of the BPSC.
