Shawnee State University hosts “Smashing Stereotypes”

Shawnee State University’s Offices of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Student Diversity & Inclusion recently hosted “Smashing Stereotypes” as part of their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. Open to students, faculty, and staff, the event allowed students the opportunity to eradicate oppressive stereotypes.

“The purpose of the event was to give everyone a safe, inclusive environment to affirm their true identities,” Noel Payne, SSU’s Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion said. “Stereotypes cause trauma and jeopardize our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. It also reinforces oppression and injustices that create fear and segregation. By providing the opportunity for self-expression, we are sending a message of belonging and allyship.”

During the event, participants were each given a plate to write down stereotypes and painful messages they wanted to be rid of. Then, with the plate wrapped in a paper bag and participants dressed in safety gear and goggles, they were handed a hammer to smash the plate and the messages written on it.

“I hope that students felt supported and validated from this experience,” said Payne. “No one should have to suffer silently or feel like they are alone because no one is listening or taking them seriously. I just want everyone to know, faculty and staff included, that we are all in this fight together. As Martin Luther King Jr. said ‘Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.’”