Interruptions Combatting Racism on Campus

By Constunce Brantley
Senior News Reporter

An organization at Texas State called “Interruptions” has made it a goal to combat racism on campus. This student organization is devoted to educating students on racial discrimination. Not only are they here to educate, but they also want to find solutions on how to solve racial issues. Interruptions also serves as a watchdog for other student organizations that encounter racism.

The student led organization was on campus before this year, but due to the lack of support, it was not talked about. It was not until the Vice President of Interruptions, Rhett Parr and the President of Interruptions, Gabrielle Grant took over and revamped it that people began to notice what the organization was doing. The organization was brought back to the campus last school year after Student body President, Connor Clegg, was impeached for allegedly making racist comments.

Not only are they here to educate, but they also want to find solutions on how to solve racial issues. Interruptions is here to call out other organizations on campus who engage in racial conflicts as well.

The Vice President of Interruptions, Rhett Parr, wanted to make an impact on campus but did not know where to start. She spoke with administration at the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusions in order to work with Gabrielle Grant to have Interruptions revamped.

“We kicked off the organization at the perfect time because that’s when all the protests were happening regarding the University’s complacency with racism,” said Parr. “We started meeting and trying to figure out what our role would be on campus. I met with other student leaders who were involved in these protests and they felt that Interruptions was needed as a space to talk about it from an education standpoint.”

Parr also says she wants more students who aren’t involved to become involved and interested.

Last school years racial conflicts opened a door for a group like Interruptions to speak up. Interruptions President Gabrielle Grant says she doesn’t want a repeat of last year’s racial tension.

“With all the racial negativity, the comments and non comments from the President of the University and Student Body President we felt that it was needed to take initiative and actually have somebody step in, who will be the voice of the student body and call out the racial issues as well address it,” said Grant.

Grant also says Interruptions also offers trainings and different presentations on ways to handle racism.

“Interruptions is big on offering trainings, helping people become allies, as well as understand how your party affects another one regarding discrimination or to better understand discrimination, prejudice racism, xenophobia, bigotry,” said Grant.

Interruptions is not new to Texas State’s campus and plans to stick around for awhile. Additionally, they plan to go into classrooms and discuss the different issues amongst different groups on campus. With the different presentations and workshops that they have planned, they hope to make an impact and educate those on campus.

For more information on Interruptions, or to get involved, visit their website or email them at SDI@txstate.edu.