Campus Life and Event Services hosts "The Ban Bossy Movement"

The Women's Discussion Series will continue with "The Ban Bossy Movement" presentation at noon on Wednesday in the Southeast Missouri State University Center Heritage Room.

This event will provide participants with insight on issues about a controversial movement in society today that works toward getting people to stop calling women "bossy" when they are forceful in the workplace. The idea is to empower women to not be afraid to be strong leaders and to share their opinions.

"I think this discussion series is important because it allows people to have a safe place to talk and express their frustrations regarding these events," Brittany Talley, the coordinator of the Campus Violence Prevention Program, said. "I believe these topics are important because so many people aren't aware of certain topics or feel uncomfortable discussing these issues."

Talley, who has helped organize the events and often speaks at them, has presented research and ideas related to each topic to help facilitate the discussion among participants.

She will begin this event with a demonstration and then leave the floor open for discussion to allow participants to express their opinion on the issue.

"I plan to continue the use of pictures and video clips to demonstrate these issues [gender stereotypes]," Talley said.

The event is set up in a discussion type of setting where those in attendance can talk about the subject matter at hand with the guest speaker. Students, staff and faculty are urged to participate in the discussions.

The event is held in a calm setting during lunchtime so that more people are able to attend. Students are also able to bring their lunch if they'd like to.

For those who have missed previous discussions, the talk will be a continuation of an eight-week-long Women's Discussion Series. The final discussion will be held on May 6 with "The Male Feminist," which will continue to educate students and faculty on what feminism means and its purpose.

These discussions are held to engage students in subjects that may be seen as controversial and also bring them out of their comfort zones. These events are meant to teach students how to be open and take insight from peers.

"I've finally been able to attend an event such as this and I find them to be quite interesting and I enjoy being able to look at things from other people's perspectives," Peyton Mogley, a Southeast student, said. "Engaging with others is definitely a big learning tool and I've definitely found that out. There should be more promotion around campus for these kinds of events. I feel like they are important."

The Leadership Development, Campus Life and Event Services and the LGBT Resource Center sponsor the discussion series. For more information on this event or for a calendar of the whole series, students can email leadership@semo.edu, like the Facebook page "SEMO Campus Violence Prevention Program" or directly speak with the Coordinator of Leadership Development Megan Randolph-Murray at (573) 651-2280 or in her office in the University Center, room 414.