UNLEARN week, a week of anti-racism programs designed to challenge the many generalizations, stereotypes and assumptions that maintain racism in our society.
The week often includes:
- lectures
- panel discussions
- daily chapels
- movies
- stickets and t-shirts worn by the Calvin community
UNLEARN week programs have led to many thought provoking interactions on the topic of racism and reconciliation. This, in turn, has led to greater participation in ongoing programs and continued dialogue in other forums like the Chimes, residence hall programs, classroom settings and personal conversations.
The week's activities are designed and implemented by the Multicultural Student Advisory Board (MSAB).
2011 UNLEARN Week Schedule
Saturday, October 8
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00pm | "The Help" movie screening $1 w/Calvin ID CFAC |
CFAC |
Sunday, October 9
| Time | Event | Location |
| 8:00pm | LOFT service | Chapel |
Monday, October 10
| Time | Event | Location |
| 3:30pm | "Is Obama an American?" In light of last year's commentary on the validity of President Obama's American citizenship and birth certificate, MSAB is hosting a discussion on what it means to be an American. This will be an open dialogue facilitated by Ebonie Atkins. |
Meeter Center Lecture Hall |
| 7:00pm | "Calvin Conservatives vs. Calvin Democrats: Political Views on Institutional Racism" Meeter Center Lecture Hall This panel discussion will allow each political party to share their views on jobs, healthcare, and welfare. Racial statistics related to each topic will be shared. |
Meeter Center Lecture Hall |
Tuesday, October 11
| Time | Event | Location |
| 3:30pm | "Immigration Law: The Future for Michigan" A representative from Justice For Our Neighbors, a local immigrant advocacy agency, will give a presentation on immigration law and the legalization process. |
Meeter Center Lecture Hall |
| 8:00pm | Open Mic Artists are invited to perform music and poetry related to a racial justice them. |
Johnny's Cave Cafe |
Wednesday, October 12
| Time | Event | Location |
| 10:00am | Chapel Service | Chapel |
| 3:30pm | "Trans-Racial Adoption: Can another village raise this child?" Prof. Elisha Marr will facilitate a panel discussion with Profs. Lisa Van Arragon, Thomas Hoeksema, and Calvin students on their experience as adoptive parents or adoptees. |
Commons Lecture Hall |
| 7:00pm | "For white men only" Prof. Jerry Fondse will facilitate the discussion in hopes of creating a safe space where white men can speak openly about their struggles with racial reconciliation, privilege, and injustice. |
HH 333 |
| 7:00pm | "For women only" Prof. Linda Naranjo-Huebl along with other female faculty and staff of color will share their experience as a professional women of color. Topics such as appearance, family-work place balance, and work expectations/demands will all be addressed. |
Meeter Center Lecture Hall |
Thursday, October 13
| Time | Event | Location |
| 3:30pm | "Interracial Relationships: Love Outside the Lines" Profs. Becky Haney, Sergio Da Silva, Calvin students, and staff will share their experiences with making interracial relationships work. The discussion will cover familial and societal acceptance, personal hesitance, and views from the minority community. |
Meeter Center Lecture Hall |
Friday, October 14
| Time | Event | Location |
| 4:00pm | "Around Asia in 80 minutes" Event organized by the International Student Development Office |
Heckman Library |