Student Affairs Staff Should Listen to Phil Robertson

I have been following the dialogue back and forth regarding what Phil Robertson did or did not say (although I have read the transcript) and ultimately I believe that as a Student Affairs practitioner, I have an obligation, as do ALL Student Affairs practitioners to respond positively and with respect to Phil Robertson.  Sadly I have witnessed my peers refer to this family as “hillbillies” and demean this family.  I question whether or not these individuals deserve the negative impact any more than Kim Kardashian deserves the negative impact of her exploits? Are these similar situations or are they different? Are these groups with agendas simply trying to get their agenda into the public’s eye long enough to make a difference? Here are the reasons why I believe we must, at the minimum, evaluate each individual’s agenda:

As a Student Affairs Practitioner, one of our guiding organization’s (NASPA) website indicates that the Diversity statement reads, “Exploring and learning about diversity, inclusion, and equity has become an increased focus in many sectors of our global community. Within the field of higher education, there are several central agreements regarding the importance of diversity a) Diversity, b) Learning, c) Integrity, d) Service, e) Fellowship,  f) Spirit of Inquiry, g) Collaboration h) Access

Diversity is not new. While the words used to describe diversity may vary over time and between individuals, the concepts do not. These concepts include being aware of personal bias, valuing the differences in human interaction, fostering inclusiveness, and many more. In the student affairs field learning and encouraging these concepts has become increasingly important.

In this situation, I must do the following:

I need to be aware of personal bias:  I have a tendency to not recognize “local” needs inclusion as much or as easily as I can recognize external or distant needs.  It seems to be easier for us to recognize the need for inclusion when I am dealing with someone from India for example than someone from West Monroe, Louisiana.  However, I need to remind myself that this is the exact same.  Although I do not necessarily think about eating squirrel brains like Miss Kay does, I must respect that it is a part of the diet of the Robertson family just as lamb may be a part of the diet of a Moroccan family.  I have to step away from the situation and recognize my personal bias.

I have to spend time valuing the differences in human interaction.  Although I do not spend time hunting, and fishing nor do I spend much time being in nature-these things are a big part of the Robertson’s life and quite frankly they are a major part of my partner, Ray’s life.  Ray values these things and enjoys them a great deal.  I respect his priorities and make time for him to be able to exercise his hobbies.  I value this difference and have come to really treasure making this a priority for Ray.

It is essential that we make a point to be “living the commitment.”

While Phil Robertson is not from an exotic land with a foreign pedigree that will win us points for embracing some big deal, it is imperative that we stand with our commitment to explore all perspective and all our differences to shape us even when that means those close to home, those who may be “hillbillies” and who may even be “our own” remind us that even the most similar can teach us difference. 

God & People

“I’m ok with this”

She made half the sign of the cross—the horizontal part

“But not this”

She made the other half—the vertical part

What she was telling me was that she wasn’t so sure about the whole God thing but she knew she was good with relationships.  “She” is my sorority sister.  I adore her, I talk to her all the time, and we have great conversations.  She’s graduating soon.  She is one of those rare students who have the bubbly exuberance of youthfulness yet that piercing insight that comes from wisdom.

I didn’t give it much thought at the time except to note it.  But it chattered at me.  The simple nature of it was actually so complex.  To be comfortable with relationship-to trust in the beauty of brothers and sisters was so foundational.  Yes, yes she was on to something.  Let me ruminate on this a bit. 

So it began to chatter at me. 

“I’m ok with this”

She made half the sign of the cross—the horizontal part

“But not this”……….

It made me think of a rough burlap tapestry…woven together with such different threads.  This one of rough earthen rope, this one of a burgundy hue, this one of navy.  Each contributing to the overall beauty while maintaining its uniqueness all the same.

Then I was reading Henri Nouwen’s Life of the Beloved.  There are two areas that Fr. Nouwen writes so beautifully that my sister’s words came flooding towards me like a tsunami of beauty that I realized what she was saying was absolutely the truth.  She was right, THIS is the way we were meant to be:  loving each other, being right with each other, doing the right thing for each other, and simply being there for each other no matter what.  She was getting it right. 

But there is something that undergirds us.  Something holds us together.  What makes love work?  Is there something bigger than love?  Where did love come from?  Where was love invented?  Whose notion was love?  Who seeded love? 

Nouwen, in discussing his belief that each of us is a chosen, beloved child of a loving God, writes, “you have to keep looking for people and places where your truth is spoken and where you are reminded of your deepest identity as the chosen one.  Yes, we must dare to opt consciously for our chosenness and not allow our emotions, feelings, or passions to seduce us into self-rejection.  The synagogues, the churches, the many communities of faith, the different support groups helping us with our addictions, family, friends, teachers, truth.  The limited, sometimes broken, love of those who share our humanity can often point us to the truth of who we are:  precious in God’s eyes.  This truth is not simply an inner truth that emerges from our center.  It is also a truth that is revealed to us by the One who has chosen us.  That is why we have to keep listening to the many men and women in history who, through their lives and their words, call us back to it.”

Finally, Nouwen says “you have to celebrate your chosenness constantly.  This means saying “thank you” to God for having chosen you, and “thank you” to all who remind you of your chosenness.”

As I think about this-I have to think that she and I really meet in the middle.  It takes both. While I may be more “ok” with God than I am His people and she is more “ok” with people that God we are both on a journey helping each other, shining a light for each other, and making our way together.  Being chosen, in whatever way we are, makes the world better for both of us and I’m glad she is a part of my world!