Central Washington University Athletics issued the following on Oct. 30
From a Student's Perspective: October Virtual Town Hall
Earlier this month, a group of CWU student-athletes attended a virtual community workshop hosted by the city. Attendees were encouraged to share their stories and experiences with the community. Ethan Lapic was one of the CWU student-athletes in attendance. Wildcatsports.com asked Ethan to share his takeaways from the informal town hall.
As someone who's interested in the political sphere, this was an insightful experience that I felt was invaluable to attend and I'm thankful and fortunate that I could do my part to be more engaged in the conversation surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion within the Ellensburg community. I'm very grateful that I was given the opportunity to participate as I feel that not only did I have a chance to listen to the stories of other students but I was also able to meet, listen and hear from city council members and the Mayor.
The meeting lasted about an hour and a half and ranged in topics and stories. About 15 people were in the call, 11 of which were students involved in the discussion, however, less than five shared their experiences and grievances. Overall, those who spoke shared many great stories, experiences and ideas. I think even more input would have been helpful but that many students even showing up to the meeting was still a win because it displayed solidarity, youth engagement, and dissatisfaction with the status quo.
As for the stories and experiences that were shared, the council and mayor provided their undivided attention to truly listen. Honestly, I cannot tell how much will have any lasting impact, although they definitely made the students who spoke feel heard. One thing that does need to be mentioned is that the reason why the call happened in the first place. The call took place to garner community feedback for a report they were writing to the city about how Ellensburg can become a more welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all residents.
During the meeting, they asked how they could help the community feel as if they are taking steps and working towards something to help foster a greater sense of welcoming. A few people, including myself, spoke on this issue and brought up a few ideas. We mentioned that ANY effort by the city to do their moral responsibility and to no longer be complicit bystanders in the communal rejection and hatred many students and residents face would be welcomed. It was stressed that they haven't done their job and that they need to be better for everyone. We explained that they cannot just be leaders for the people who voted for them, nor the people who they identify with because of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc. They are the government for the entire city, for all people. If they were to show support for underserved communities and reject racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia they are taking a step in the right direction. It was explained that an attempt to promote positive messaging would be beneficial because it would signal to the community that we, as the city Ellensburg, hold ourselves to a higher standard and will attempt to lift everyone to that standard.
By telling stories, showing what many go through on a daily basis, and by displaying some videos of this behavior, they were touched. The mayor began tearing up and one of the council members was crying. At the end of the meeting they said they felt awful for how many in the city have treated us. It was definitely refreshing to see someone in power listening to their constituents and do their job. Honestly, I cannot say how much of a lasting impact the meeting will have, although, they certainly made the students who spoke, feel heard. While I am glad they were willing to listen to us, I believe that the city council and the mayor have far more power than they realize. The quicker action is taken to publicly to support restoring the community, the sooner a welcoming and safe Ellensburg can exist for everyone.
Original source can be found here
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