Michigan CRLT Players: Moving the Needle – Session Recap | Late Spring 2019

On April 9-10, 2019, RIT hosted the CRLT Michigan Players for their fifth visit to RIT since 2014.  This year the performance was offered in a two-part series called Moving the Needle.

Two sessions of Part 1, Shifting the Conversation around Sexual Harassment, were offered on April 9th. Partly research presentation, partly embodied case-study, and partly community conversation, Part 1 challenged participants to expand their understanding of what sexual harassment is, how it impacts individuals and communities, and what makes an environment prone to its presence. Nearly 180 faculty and staff members attended Part 1 session. One attendee’s most significant takeaway was “the acting made the importance so real to me.” This person also noted that “the focus on community was fantastic.” Another attendee noted “wonderful table discussions” and “excellent session.” Nearly 90% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they plan to take action to improve their practices related to the topic of the session.

Two sessions of Part 2, Creating a Culture Resistant to Sexual Harassment, were offered on April 10th. Building on introductory conversations about the widespread presence and consequences of sexual harassment on individuals and communities in higher education, Part 2 gave groups an opportunity to envision a different, more inclusive future. Around 150 faculty and staff members participated in Part 2. One attendee’s most significant takeaway was “the scenarios are always great in helping us ‘see’ how things may happen in real life.” Another participant’s noted takeaway was understanding “the ways in which I may contribute to a permissive environment.” Over 93% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the session helped them think about how some of the ideas generated might be implemented at RIT or in their unit.