Donald Keough, News Editor –
Photos: Andrew Laramore / The Denisonian
Students filed into their seats in Herrick Hall on Sept. 20 to watch a presentation by Denison’s the Black Student Union (BSU). The topic of the presentation was implicit bias and it aimed to describe the effects implicit biases can have on people’s perceptions and behaviors.
Throughout the presentation, students were encouraged to interact with each other. The presenters would pose questions and encourage attendees to discuss their thoughts on topics related to implicit bias. Then they asked people to share their experiences with implicit bias.
BSU’s Minister of Finance, Klara Thelusma ‘26 was one of the presenters.
After the presentation, Thelusma said that she hoped to uncover “people’s thinking on implicit biases and how their interactions can be affected by their own unconscious thoughts.”
She also added that because she sees Denison as having a relatively small campus, she feels that “it’s better to be united instead of divided.”
She hoped that this was one of the messages that students could walk away with.
BSU’s Chief Minsiter, Adonte Mays ‘25, was also one of the presenters. Mays felt it was important that students continue to learn about how to be more equitable.
“It’s very good to be conscious in the environments that you’re in and understand the people around you,” said Mays. “We feel this is one step that can take [students] down other steps… it’s good to start at base one and figure out what your implicit biases are.”
One of the main goals of the presentation was figuring out students’ implicit biases. This is why they incorporated interactive elements.
“Sometimes, [students] are less aware with topics such as this,” Thelusma said. “If [students] aren’t aware, they’re less likely to be as engaged if they’re already confused. Engaging the presentation made it so that everyone can actively learn and listen.”
This presentation was also one of the requirements for the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Antiracism (IDEA) Student Certificate.
This certificate can be completed by any Denison student and is designed to help broaden one’s sense of inclusivity through interactive events. The full list of goals and requirements for the certificate can be found on WhattoDU.
“[The certificate] is about learning about different people while you’re getting a new perspective on life,” Thelusma said.
“It also applies to different workspaces, because workspaces will be diverse. And if they’re not ready, teams will want them to diversify.”
Mays also noted that he believed there are benefits to having the certification for resumes.
“Students get to show off and say ‘I am certified with diversity inclusion,” Mays said, adding that students can say that they have, “taken steps to learn more about a wide diversity of opinions,” and that they can input those opinions into their future careers.
Throughout the semester, Mays said BSU plans to continue holding events such as this one, which he said will most likely be IDEA certificate verified.
“We’re open to everybody… and we’re inclusive no matter who you are,” Mays said. “We are willing to give back to the community, regardless of your race, gender or any orientation.”