Last lecture

“Critical dialogue can create discomfort, as it may challenge people's thinking.”  Dr. BLR

 

For the past twenty-five years, I have been teaching criminal justice and sociology courses. They have been some of the most meaningful years of my life. I've had the chance to meet remarkable young people, many of whom have gone on to become very successful adults. I can never fully repay them for the joy they’ve brought into my life. At the end of each semester, I like to share some words of wisdom and reflect on the past semester.

I teach three classes: Introduction to Law Enforcement, Multiculturalism in Justice, and Social Deviance. Each class involves a completely different type of conversation. Over the years, I’ve had to modify each one based on student evaluation feedback. I appreciate the honesty my students show in class because the topics we discuss are controversial, sensitive, and sometimes triggering, but we work through them together as a class. One of the main reasons these classes are so thought-provoking is the diversity of the students. I tell them that learning will be a group effort because I will learn just as much from them as they learn from me. 

Over the course of the semester, feelings will be hurt, truths about race, gender, and sexuality will be exposed, and often, secrets will be shared. Overall, we all come out better in the end, and this is where I get to share my thoughts for each class.

I consider each class individually because each has its own personality. Typically, my law enforcement class comprises students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, whether on the streets, in the courts, or in other roles. I have to draw a fine line, but honestly, since policing is mainly a white male profession, many controversial issues will involve them. However, I share that I try my best never to “Monday morning quarterback” any police officer involved shooting because I wasn’t there. Sometimes, this statement upsets many of my students because of their personal stance on policing, but it’s true. I need them to understand that I’ve made it my goal to get as many of them onto the force so they can help change the culture, which has historically been racist, sexist, and homophobic. Regarding the culture, I know that many will succumb to its internal brotherhood of the “Blue Wall” and may become part of the problem, but I’ve done my best to inform them of what to expect. They will have to decide what type of officer they want to be.

The multiculturalism course is the most challenging because it examines diverse ethnicities, cultures, races, genders, and sexualities. At the start of the class, I warned them that I might make comments that could be upsetting, as they may encounter similar remarks in real life and need to handle them, especially if they aim to become police officers. This class is also insightful because it reveals the internal biases and prejudices people often hold. I keep it real, emphasizing the importance of being honest, even if it requires colorful language, which I frequently use. What I find most interesting about the students is the intra-racial dynamics, especially regarding Blacks and Hispanics. The saying, “All skin folk ain't kin folk,” shows up within these groups. Trying to get Dominicans to say they are Black always causes disagreement. I find it funny that, as they claim they aren’t and that they are Dominican, they forget that they are in America, and we follow the “one-drop rule.” This is just one of the many heated discussions held. 

My parting message this semester was to encourage them to look inward for the strength and trust they will rely on later in life. By the end of the semester, they understood that I am a loner because I don’t like stress and keep my circle of acquaintances very small. I then asked for their thoughts, and many shared that they also find comfort in keeping to themselves and not sharing their personal stories because they’ve been burned in the past. Additionally, they said that doing so makes them more productive and helps them stay focused on their goals. This reassures me that they will be okay.

My last course, Social Deviance, is the most realistic because it explores human behavior and its roots. We discuss sensitive topics such as molestation, rape, homosexuality, and domestic violence. From my experience teaching this course, I see the pain and trauma on some students’ faces during these discussions, even among those who don’t admit anything. I’ve shared my personal experiences related to some of these issues, which is why I believe some students feel comfortable sharing theirs. Over the years, I’ve been told that this course has helped many students seek mental health therapy for unresolved trauma. My final words to this class are that whatever happened to them, it’s not their fault. A lot of the trauma occurred when they were minors and were exploited by close friends, family members, or sexual predators. I hope that the trauma ends and that they receive the help they need to move forward.