College should create identity requirement

In the past few weeks, The Miscellany News has given much attention to the issues of both core requirements and the recent mini-course, Language of Ladies. We believe that discussion of the latter has proven the need for an adjustment to the former. We propose the creation of a new core requirement based around increasing understanding on issues of gender, race and sexuality, which we will call, for the purposes of this article, the Understanding Identity requirement.

This requirement would be designed to challenge students to question their own perceptions and perspectives.  It would provide a forum for an exchange of different viewpoints and for the deconstruction of prejudices.  For those who shy away from these conversations, the class will try to engage them in a dialogue to deconstruct their pre-existing beliefs. Without these discussions then there will always be this divide, this battle between those who feel misunderstood and those who misunderstand.

We offer this proposal in light of our experiences at Vassar.  Three years ago, as freshmen, we wanted to actively engage in these dialogues but found very limited outlets.  Furthermore, we were eager to be more open-minded and more understanding, but we did not know how.  However, we were fortunate enough to take classes such as Women in the United States since 1890 and Ethnicity, Race and Nationalism, which tackle the issues of identity.  These classes broke down our preconceived notions and opened our eyes to the inequalities within society. We had to face issues such as pay inequality, sexual harassment and racial targeting in the criminal justice system. These classes helped us become more understanding of other perspectives, which is why we believe they would be beneficial for the entire Vassar community.

Currently, students can fulfill the Quantitative Analysis requirement by taking classes in a variety of different departments. We believe that the Understanding Identity requirement should offer as much freedom. Fortunately, there are already a large number of courses at Vassar that meet the standards of this proposed requirement in departments and programs such as History, English, Film, Political Science, Women Studies and Sociology.

We understand that some might be resistant to such a proposal, but in a way this is exactly why the Understanding Identity requirement is necessary.  We do not wish to impose political correctness upon everyone, so much as give them the tools necessary for constructive discussions of gender, race and sexuality issues.  Over the length of a semester the classroom transforms into a safe space where students can comfortably be uncomfortable as they tackle the issues of identity.  Such a space cannot be easily constructed within several minutes like the conversation on diversity during Freshman Orientation.

We are aware that this is not a perfect proposal and that we are not the first to suggest such a requirement. Still it is necessary for us to understand, as a community, why people might find certain actions offensive, like the creation of the mini-course.  The Understanding Identity requirement would be one way to increase awareness of different perspectives and a requirement that our Vassar community needs. We need to continue this conversation on diversity, preferably one that should remain active and not just reactive.