By Mark Boyle
For The Diamondback
The University of Maryland touts its diverse and inclusive environment. But that wasn’t always the case.
Ethan Hutt, a professor in the teaching and learning, policy and leadership department, kicked off a lecture series Wednesday that will discuss the developing role education plays in democracy.
About 50 people came to Tawes Hall for the “Historic Visions of Education at the University of Maryland,” the first of 17 lectures in the university’s “Democracy Then and Now” initiative. These lectures will take place during the two months leading up to the election.
Hutt discussed how the university’s position on who qualifies for an education has changed over time. His lecture looked back to 1862, when Sen. Justin Morrill submitted an act providing states with federal land that was to be used for educational purposes. Hutt delved into the differences between federal and state involvement with this university, and how education was not always equal for all races.
Students in the 1940s were taught welding and chemistry, Hutt said. Those who attended the university’s Eastern Shore campus, which historically served African-American students, instead studied pure manual labor.
“The university has come a long way in terms of seeking and recruiting a more diverse student population,” Hutt said. “Many people think we have ways to go to make sure all groups are represented and comfortable on campus. Is it diverse enough? How can we go forward?”
For some populations, access to education still remains out of reach, particularly when it comes to STEM education. Some communities can’t access these fields, as they require computers, labs and other instruments, said English professor Kimberly Coles, who helped plan the initiative.
Coles hopes to form campus-wide relationships between faculties and departments and get students involved in conversations about their own education.
“We want students to consider the state of education now and what it means for the future of the community, your neighbor,” Coles said.
She said she hopes the audience will use their talents to give back and consider pursuing futures in politics or teaching.
Senior studio art major Avid Antonelli encouraged students to visit the Democracy Then and Now website, which will soon post student poetry about what life may have been like at this university’s various locations based on identity.
“You’re thinking of your own identification. You think, ‘This doesn’t really affect me,'” Antonelli said. “Guess what? It does.”
Different university departments will present additional discussions; the full schedule is available online.
