Chapter 5: Confronting Difference: Progressive Politics and Sites of Resistance

Using the insights of feminist theorists, especially those by women of color, as well as an understanding of political praxis by Paulo Freire, the authors of this chapter analyze their experiences during the controversial renaming of the University of Wyoming’s Symposium for Social Justice. In 2002, the symposium was renamed the “Shepard Symposium for Social Justice” to recognize the horrific murder of UW student Matthew Shepard, as well as the work of his family toward the recognition and eradication of hate crimes. The name change was prompted in part, by a request from the University administration in order to court a major donor. Three of the authors of the article served on the symposium’s steering committee at the time of the name change discussion. With different racial, ethnic and sexual orientations, each recounts his or her experience during that process. Using the method of narrative inquiry, the fourth author analyzes the three testimonies to frame the discussion. The authors conclude that the process and their experiences, though difficult and “messy,” were necessary and not stirprising given their personal identities and communities, and their ultimate goal of working towards social justice.