Mizzou warns against 'exclusionary' colors, ‘triggering’ events
The University of Missouri recently released a set of guidelines on how to host inclusive events, asking students to consider having “a counselor present” for “potentially triggering” events.
The guidelines, broken up into six sections of “who, when, where, why, what, [and] how,” offer students an examination of sorts for “how to think inclusively when planning an event,” listing dozens of questions they should ask themselves during the planning stages.
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“If my event is potentially triggering, have I consulted with someone from the counseling center or have a counselor present?” one question asks, followed by another that implores students to consider whether “a ‘safe’ or ‘brave’ space” is necessary for the event.
Another series of questions deals with appropriate advertisements for events, warning students to be “conscious of the colors and how they can be exclusionary or stereotypical” while considering if the language used on advertisements “can potentially be bias [sic].”
“Am I conscious of not tokenizing individuals, but still working to actively reflect your program/initiative?” another item reminds students to ask themselves.
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Yet another set of questions focuses on the “decorations” used at events, which students should assure “aren’t culturally appropriative or misrepresenting to other cultures” by “doing my research on a culture I am attempting to appreciate.”
The guidelines also caution students against non-”welcoming” locations, noting that “bars, churches, temples, etc. may not feel exclusive, but may be perceived as such by some.”
Similarly, the school even advises students to be judicious about serving refreshments, telling them to ensure that there are vegetarian options and to consider “having Kosher food, Halal food, or periods of fasting.”
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Following the extensive list of questions, the document concludes with a disclaimer cautioning that “this list is not an end all be all checklist for inclusion.”
“If it is brought to your attention that this event or the planning of the event offends or has offended someone, be sure to apologize, commit to doing better next time, and take it as an opportunity to learn and grow,” the footnote adds.
Campus Reform reached out to the university for additional comment on the matter, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
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