Shippensburg University’s annual Day of Human Understanding has been extended to an entire week.

The week, which begins on Sept. 30, focuses on coming together as a community to talk about important issues, according to Daniel Velez, chief equity, inclusion and compliance officer and Title IX coordinator.

Velez said SU has historically held a single Day of Human Understanding, but this year it has been extended to a week with multiple events.

The week will kick off in a more “creative and organic way” with an Open Mic Night on Sept. 30 at McFeely’s Coffeehouse featuring students’ Civic Poetry, according to Velez.

“We want to center the students’ voices to demonstrate that our students really, truly understand the nature of civic responsibility,” Velez said.

The poetry will focus on civic responsibility, engagement and national identity.

On Oct. 1, the campus community will have the opportunity to interact with “Favorite Student Meals” during dinner at Reisner Dining Hall. Recipes were submitted via essay by students in the First-Year Experience class and the winners will have their recipe made by chefs for the campus community to taste.

“Students will be invited to be guest chefs in the kitchen to help make sure chefs get the recipe just right,” Velez explained. 

He said the connections made over food can aid in the forming of a connection and civil discourse promoted throughout the week.

“It can be used to break down a barrier and allow us to engage in deep and civil discourse on very difficult topics,” Velez said.

Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post Journalist Eli Saslow will be the featured speaker on Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. in the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center.

According to Velez, Saslow presents an opportunity for discourse in deep civility through the central character, Derek Black, in his book “Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist.”

“He [Black] struggled to understand his own identity and perspectives in relation to the perspectives of others,” Velez explained. “When he got to college, what he thought he knew about the world was challenged. But he was challenged by other students in a very compassionate, very civil way.”

Velez added in order to be deeply civil, individuals must connect in the head and the heart.

“It is very challenging to do when the perspectives are so volatile and dramatically different,” Velez said.

In the book, Black, who grew up around white nationalism, goes to college and confronts his views through weekly Shabbat dinners with a fellow student.

Through this civil discourse Black eventually begins to question everything behind his worldview.

Following Saslow’s presentation, students will be invited to Reisner to continue the discussion.

On Thursday, Oct. 3 students will have the opportunity to attend a “Debriefing Conversation” at 3:30 p.m. in Ceddia Union Building Room 125. 

“The debriefing allows a period of time for closure through discussion,” said Velez. The debriefing will follow up on topics raised in Saslow’s presentation including race, racism and how food can be used as a tool to have open-minded, civil discussions.

He added the setting may be more suitable for everyone’s voices to be heard for those who do not like speaking at larger events.

Velez explained the week will encourage the campus community to experience new ideas and differences that they do not have a home.

“Views are supposed to be challenged at college,” Velez said. “When you feel a little uncomfortable, your world views stretch a little.”

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Compliance at (717) 477-1161. 

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