A review of REP: The Racial Equity Project

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are at the heart of Middlesex's values. Through the dedicated efforts of the DEI office, DEI officers, and the inclusive culture we foster on campus, we, the Middlesex community, are steadfast in our commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. As articulated on the Middlesex website, we uphold the ideal of ‘finding the promise' in every student, as envisioned by our school founder, Fredrick Winsor. We work collaboratively in an environment of mutual trust and shared responsibility to help students realize their full potential. With this principle, and Middlesex's DEI-driven mission in mind, the DEI office plays a pivotal role in hosting the Racial Equity Project (REP).

In this year’s REP performance, there were a plethora of scenes that highlighted how race plays a role in student dynamics. In one scene, the actors explored the impact of insults for “comedic purposes”. Another moment focused on discrimination towards a Latin American actor around food that is part of his culture. While these scenes were uncomfortable, they marked the real and prevalent issue of racial discrimination that plagues the Middlesex community. Racism and discrimination exist, and many of these situations were based on real life examples. REP starts conversations which challenge preconceived stereotypes and foster empathy and understanding among students. By engaging in these difficult yet essential discussions, we continue to strengthen our commitment to create a more inclusive and supportive community.

I participated in the debrief conversations following the REP performance, and I witnessed firsthand how deeply these issues resonated with the students. As a co-head of the South Asian Affinity Group (SAAG), I bring a nuanced perspective to these situations, with the above topics hitting close to home for me and fellow SAAG members. While these discussions can sometimes be uncomfortable and awkward, they are necessary for informing the Middlesex community on the gravity of these topics.

Ultimately, through this charged performance, and continued follow-up discussions, we can take steps towards building a healthier, more diverse, and happier Middlesex community.

Nik Rizvi