“Confronting Campus ‘Isms,’” a collaboration between Respect the ABILITY and The Language Education and Research Network (L.E.A.R.N) Lab, is scheduled for March 26 from 2-3 p.m. in HC 104, as of press time. The event unites the differences and stereotypical barriers created by sexism, racism and ageism.
Source: Contributed by James Grillo, ’27
Respect the ABILITY is a club that educates the Sacred Heart University community on equality, respect and the right to equal opportunities. The L.E.A.R.N Lab serves as a place where speech language pathologists learn the understanding of literacy skills and spoken language.
James Grillo, Co-President of Respect the ABILITY, said this event aims to unite students, empowering them to be their authentic selves, while fostering a community to break down stereotypes.
“Discrimination and bias can hinder students’ ability to focus, participate, and succeed academically,” said Grillo. “By addressing these issues, we hope to empower students to thrive without fear of prejudice or exclusion.”
Grillo said that engaging in these kinds of conversations can help shape individuals to be morally responsible and strive for justice outside of the university environment.
“By joining forces, we hope to create a space for open dialogue, education, and collective action, empowering the campus community to embrace diversity and work toward unity,” he said.
Dr. Caitlin Ross, principal investigator of the L.E.A.R.N Lab, said that the lab operates within The College of Health Professions with both Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) and Communication Disorders (CMD) departments.
“Among other things, my lab has been working on a project investigating the power of words, particularly ‘-isms,’ in the healthcare and education settings,” said Ross. “We reached out to multiple on-campus clubs, organizations, and university offices to ensure a way to expand our audience on this pertinent topic.”
Ross said that many groups were responsive and are participating in Social Justice Week. She said that the L.E.A.R.N Lab has also developed a survey for the community along with their presentation.
“This collaboration, presentation, and survey is part of a larger project entitled Healing Words: Harnessing the Power of Words in Healthcare and Higher Education,” said Ross.
Ross is grateful for the collaboration with Respect the ABILITY and hopes that this event raises awareness on how impactful words can be, either positive or negative.
“My hope is that this type of event is more of a beginning and a catalyst to continue conversations and incite meaningful and lasting, functional shifts in thinking and awareness sounding the words we use on a daily basis as students, faculty, staff, and community citizens,” said Ross.
Jada McCloggan, Ross’ Graduate Assistant, said that the lab is currently studying how words are perceived and the meanings they carry. She said that the event aligns with their mission of promoting inclusion in classrooms.
“We focus on DEI and how educators can be culturally sensitive when teaching in the classroom,” she said. “Our goals align with this event because our goals align with promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the classroom setting that can translate into the real world.”
McCloggan also said that it’s important for educators to be informed on the ‘four main “-isms” when addressing it to students.
“We want to know how educators perceive the four main ‘–isms’ (sexism, racism, ageism, and ableism) and how the words they use to teach clinical skills are perceived by students,” said McCloggan. “Our goal is to create an inclusive classroom for all students and faculty.”
Sophomore Jonna Lord said that these topics are important to promote diversity and inclusivity. She believes these topics as a whole are important but having a conversation about these topics addresses inequality issues.
“These stereotypical barriers are distinguished for building awareness and promoting social differences,” said Lord. “Many people consider these stereotypes and could quickly introduce systematic inequality issues based on personal belief or infiltration.”
To stay up to date with other events by Respect the ABILITY, students can follow @shurepecttheability on Instagram and visit https://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/colleges–schools/college-of-health-professions/departments/communication-disorders/research/learn-lab/ for more information about the L.E.A.R.N Lab.
