Students and panelists discuss the meaning of manhood and masculinity

What is the meaning of manhood and masculinity at the University of Richmond?

That was the question posed to a group of panelists at this week's meeting held by UR Men for Change, a group dedicated to promoting discussion of race, class, gender dynamics and sexual orientation on campus.

The panel consisted of prominent faculty and staff members, including Joseph Boehman, dean of Richmond College; Glyn Hughes, director of Common Ground; Mike London, head football coach; and Jean-Pierre Laurenceu-Medina and Eddie Gates from the office of multicultural affairs.

Contrary to what some may think, UR Men for Change is not the male version of Women Involved in Living and Learning, or WILL.

"The issues we talk about are from a male perspective," said Warin Henry, the group's president, "and at this point in time we are working on forming our own identity. With that being said, we are more than happy to work with organizations such as WILL and others to help Richmond become a more inclusive community where everyone can feel respected."

The discussion was part of a weekly meeting that will be held every at 7:30 p.m. every Sunday. Group members were given the opportunity to ask questions to the panelists, hear candid responses and share personal experiences.

"With the panel, we as members of UR Men for Change thought it would be good to hear from guys who have been a few years removed from college, but who at the same time could offer some key insight and perspective of what manhood means to them," Henry said.

Each panelist had a different response to the questions asked by audience members.

"All I can do is influence my neighborhood," Boehman said, "and my neighborhood is Richmond College. My hope is that the men that come out of this college are going to be leaders."

The group has had four meetings so far, but the panel discussion was the first of its kind. The group hopes to have a similar event during the fall, Henry said. The group has gotten larger after people began to see the meeting times on Facebook or read about the group in The Collegian, he said.

Contact reporter Sharon Tully at sharon.tully@richmond.edu