Bluffton University’s enduring values of discovery, community, respect and service have been overshadowed recently with disrespect to a specific minority group.
Brave Space, a student-led organization for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, has been experiencing acts of vandalism and cruelty that are not supported within the university’s enduring values. Noah Heiing, sophomore social work major and Brave Space President, explained that Brave Space posters have been torn down and vandalized, saying one poster hung up in Ropp Hall had been stabbed with push pins and torn to shreds.
Heiing understands and respects that not everyone on campus shares the same beliefs, but still asks everyone to be respectful of others.
“It definitely makes you feel unwanted,” said Heiing. “People are obviously destroying something they’re in, something that’s a big part of their life. So, if people are ripping them down it shows that people aren’t supportive.”
First-year art and writing major Basil Gates witnessed the aftermath of vandalism in Bren-Dell hall before leaving for winter break last semester. The decorated doors on the left side of the hall had been ripped and scattered. Many residents in the hall had their pronouns labeled outside their doors, to which someone decided to erase and replace them with improper pronouns.
Gates says the only reason his door wasn’t messed with was because it was on the other side of the hallway.
“I think that if I would’ve been on the other side where they were entering and exiting, they probably would’ve done something to my door as well,” said Gates. “Because, I mean, I’m like the only trans guy on the floor.”
Assistant professor of social work and co-advisor of Brave Space Heidi Mercer, says these acts send a message to these targeted minorities and creates a hostile environment that is not a part of Bluffton’s mission and values.
“When oppressed groups are kind of stepping up and being more vocal, more present, there is backlash,” said Mercer.
Mercer said it’s common for students to have trouble learning or focusing when they aren’t even comfortable in their own space. The feeling of being targeted can affect people in all parts of their life, she said.
“How are we seeing students and student life impacting on faculty and what we are asking students to do in the classroom?” asked Mercer. “Because if they’re not feeling safe, they’re not going to be achieving what they need to achieve.”
Heidi Mercer outside her office door in 3rd floor Centennial Hall. Photo by Payton Stephens.
Mercer asks that people accept one another for all parts of who they are, not just certain parts of identities. If someone sees these kinds of acts taking place, Mercer encourages students to be active bystanders and speak up.
A statement was made in the Student Community Connection on Feb. 8 stating:
“As a Community of Respect, we ask that those who are making the choice to take down program flyers or personal door decorations or vandalize items in the halls quit doing these things and those who are aware of those who do these acts to report them.”
The issues were also brought up in a mandatory hall meeting for all residents on Feb. 20. where Tyson Goings, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, spoke on “Community of Respect and Belonging Conversations.” Attendance was taken at the meeting and all who did not attend had to meet one-on-one with Goings.
Heiing welcomes anyone to attend Brave Space meetings and hopes to help educate individuals and prevent these incidents in the future. Heiing, Gates and Mercer all agree that these incidents will not keep them from hanging up posters, it has just given them reason to hang up more.
