Group responsible says intentions were good
HOUGHTON -- An unusual charity event held at Michigan Tech last weekend is creating some controversy on campus.
Students in the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship decided to hold a slave auction to raise money and awareness about present day slavery. The event was a part of Social Justice Week, which is an effort by the fellowship to call attention to different injustices around the world.
According to their Website, they intended to shock people, but had no idea they'd be so successful.
Students in chains, laughing as they were purchased by others for a day for free labor. Two even played "rock, paper, scissors" to see who'd be next on the auction block.
Tech senior Nicole White could hardly believe her eyes when a friend sent her the link to a YouTube video of the event.
"It seemed like a mockery to a lot of people,” said White. “That's what it seemed like, although the intent was good. It was kind of hard to take in at first."
Though the video is unlisted, it's gotten more than a thousand views and sparked a serious online debate. Those offended said it never should have happened, especially not during Black History Month.
At first, fellowship members defended themselves by saying it had nothing to do with slavery in the past, but now they’ve stopped making excuses.
"We realized it had hurt people and that wasn't our intention at all,” said IVCF President Michael Misson. “We recognize how this could be seen as very offensive and we feel really, really bad about it."
Despite the controversy, the group has continued their efforts to do good with other events like Tuesday night's broken bread meal.
University officials aren't typically involved in activities put on by students groups, however, Vice President of Students Affairs, Les Cook, said he did receive an email about the slave auction a few days prior and strongly suggested the students rethink their idea.
"On university campuses, there are always opportunities for teaching moments,” said Cook. “Hopefully this has become, maybe, a richer educational experience for some people because it helps them to understand more about a situation like slavery."
And the students will attempt to learn more about each other as Tech’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion plans to mediate a discussion between both parties Thursday night.
As for the money, they raised more than $600 during the auction, which will be donated to World Vision, a Christian organization aimed at fighting poverty and other injustices.
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