Colleges train new freshmen to be sensitive

But legislators balk at funding diversity sessions

WORCESTER, Mass. — Once devoted to ice cream socials, tutorials on campus technology systems and advice on choosing classes, orientation for new students is changing significantly, with the issue taking on renewed urgency this year as universities increasingly try to address recent racial and ethnic tensions on campuses as well as an onslaught of sexual assault complaints and investigations.

In addition to diversity sessions, many campuses train students on exactly what constitutes sexual consent.

In August, the University of Wisconsin system, which includes the Madison flagship and 25 other campuses, said it would ask the Legislature for $6 million to improve what it called the “university experience.”

The request includes money for Fluent, a program described as a systemwide cultural training for faculty and staff members and students.

But that budget request has provoked controversy. “If only the taxpayers and tuition-paying families had a safe space that might protect them from wasteful UW System spending on political correctness,” state Sen. Stephen L. Nass, a Republican, said in a statement, urging his fellow lawmakers to vote against the appropriation.

Nass’ objection reflects a rising resistance to what is considered campus political correctness.

Still, the push to respond to complaints about subtle cultural insensitivity, as well as more overt racist behavior, continues on campuses nationwide.

At Clark University, a private liberal arts college, a program for first-year students focused on “microagressions,” comments, snubs or insults that communicate derogatory messages that might not be intended to cause harm but are targeted at people based on stereotypes.

A freshman tentatively raises her hand and takes the microphone.

“I’m really scared to ask this,” she begins. “When I, as a white female, listen to music that uses the Nword, and I’m in the car, or, especially when I’m with all white friends, is it OK to sing along?”

The answer, from Sheree Marlowe, Clark’s new chief diversity officer, is an unequivocal “no.”

Among her other tips: Don’t ask an Asian student you don’t know for help on your math homework or randomly ask a black student if he plays basketball. And don’t say “you guys.” It could be interpreted as leaving out women, said Marlowe, who realized it was offensive only when someone confronted her during a presentation.