Soapbox vs. The Fishbowl (no good can come from this)

RAs play an important part in the development of student residents on campuses all over the world. The eyes of an unknown number of people/residents/parents/students/administrators are constantly on Resident Assistants. My entire career as a RA I have been taught that the role of the Resident Assistant is to foster the development and personal growth of residents while building academic-based communities in residence halls. RAs are usually highly qualified, well-rounded individuals that have gone through an intense selection process to receive the position (at least at responsible institutions). RAs are sometimes the only people residents can turn to with personal issues or problems. RAs (at least good ones)know their role in mentoring, being student-leaders, and voices/faces on campus. Not only do they know this role, they also know this role is important. From drumming up school spirit to helping resolve roommate conflicts, to promoting a community that embraces academia...RAs are important influences on the diverse communities they serve. It is important to keep in mind the different demographics of people that enroll in universities. People from all parts of the world, with all types of religions, personal beliefs/convictions, heritages, and homelands, disabilities, preferences, and desires come together to form one globally recognized institution. Because RAs serve such a diverse community, RAs should be tolerant to say the least, and to say the most open-minded as well as accepting. Communication and neutrality in the professional position are of utmost importance. If RAs were to boldly state personal convictions, political beliefs, or prejudices against groups of people they stand the chance of a breakdown in the lines of communication. If a RA were to voice a personal opinion in a public venue (be it in person or via electronic website...particularly a website their residents frequent) that RA has potentially alienated an entire demographic of people/residents/students. For example when a RA gets on a soapbox politically and definitively states that they think a certain lifestyle is wrong, that might prevent residents that are having inner turmoil over the issue (either personally or with a friend) from even bringing it up with their RA. This could have dire consequences for the resident such as psychological problems, social problems, and sexual problems. It could even lead to the loss of life. When RAs speak out about the issues it could cause the RA to miss out on the chance to mentor/counsel a resident in need. If lines of communication become severed between the RA and the very people who's growth and personal development the RA is supposedly fostering and supporting, then what good is that RA? If RAs want to make statements on personal beliefs, convictions, and political views, those statements should be well thought and spoken/written with tact. Every person has every right to every thought they want to have. This is not to say RAs have no right to freedom of speech or to their own opinions, beliefs, etc.--but perhaps it would behoove RAs to think of their role in the fishbowl before they soap up the water and cloud the residents' perspective.

Sometimes I just have to write seriously.