Becoming Empowered to Use Your Voice

Have you ever had something to say, but hesitated to speak? Been passionate about a cause, but refrained from comment? Kris Carr, New York Times best-selling author, notes that it’s not about finding your voice, it’s about giving yourself permission to use your voice. Owning one’s voice gives the individual power in expressing values, beliefs and concerns. A 2017 survey conducted by FIRE and YouGov reported a majority of college students self-censor in the classroom and support the act of disinviting campus speakers with whom they disagree. How may we empower our voice when it is different from the norm and engage productively with others with whom we disagree? What responsibility does the educational system have to develop and empower student voices and to defend their rights not to be silenced?

Panel Moderator:  Daezia Smith, MSU International Student Services

Panel Producer:  Devin Schehrer, MSU Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services

• Live closed captioning is provided.