Rosina M. Shiliwala is sharing what she learned at a recent race and ethnicity conference with the MHC community. by Rosina M Shiliwala '02
Los Angeles--city of palm trees, BMWs, and lots of Fresca--was the site of the American Bar Association conference "Race and Ethnicity in the Justice System" held October 6&10 at the Westin Airport. I was honored to represent Mount Holyoke at the conference, which was attended by individuals from all over the United States who are concerned with the way this country's justice system deals with race and ethnicity. Representatives from more than twenty colleges and universities, lawyers, legal professionals, educators, and judges were among my fellow attendees.
The most empowering aspect of the conference was its emphasis on the need for solutions. We discussed ways to eradicate racism and racial biases in our justice system, rather than simply taking for granted that these issues would continue to plague the system. Three major problems with the U.S. justice system (color profiling, access to justice for minorities, and minority inclusion in the justice system) were addressed through panels, seminars, and small discussion groups.
It was refreshing to be in contact with legal professionals who not only admitted that the justice system had problems, but who also wanted to take the initiative to solve the problems we as a society face. Keynote speakers included Lee Bollinger, president of the University of Michigan, who discussed recent lawsuits brought against his university regarding the defense of affirmative action, and Judge Lance Ito, who spoke on a panel about the need for bilingual translators in courtrooms.
The students at the conference also played an important role. In addition to participating in small-group discussions with lawyers, educators, and other professionals, students met each night to draft three-page statements outlining student goals and actions to solve the problems highlighted at the conference. We brought these statements back to our home campuses. Celebrating National Day of Action, when students across the nation defend integration, diversity, and affirmative action, on October 21 was an initiative that students hoped would be undertaken on their respective campuses. MHC was among the colleges where the day was observed.
Other goals and plans of action included organizing a national student conference on racial justice issues, educating students on issues of cultural history and diversity, and sharing the information each student learned at the conference with our peers at our home campuses through written works, discussions, and events specific to accessibility to education and the justice system. It is my hope that in the next few weeks and far beyond that, I can bring the important information regarding these issues back to the student community at Mount Holyoke to spur action and initiative.
As a minority, the conference provided me with a sense of unity from people who care about these issues and want to change the injustices that minorities face, specifically, in the justice system. The conference also opened my eyes to the fact that many people (including myself, sometimes) don't realize that racism and discrimination are alive and well in America, rather than vestiges of the Civil War era. The only way to combat racism and discrimination in the justice system is to educate people --our friends, our family, and our peers--about these issues. In this way, individuals will not fight their battles alone, but with the support of people who care about equal rights.
If you have any questions, ideas, comments, or suggestions about how to further educate the Mount Holyoke College community on the importance of diversity, please contact me at (email removed). Also, be on the lookout for more information regarding the conference, and for ways that you can be involved in these important issues.
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