The Lindenwood - Fall 2020

8 9 FALL 2020 EDITION FALL 2020 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD FEATURED STORY FEATURED STORY “I’m not looking to change them to become something different,” said Witherspoon, who has taught at Lindenwood for 15 years. “I’m here to give them the knowledge to try to channel or at least do some type of self-assessment of their biases, so that when they get out there, they are able to remain as professional as they can.” “We’re human. Our emotions get in the way, but hopefully, we are teaching them how to keep those emotions from influencing behaviors.” And, mentoring rising professionals to be socially aware and civically minded is not an easy undertaking. Using police as an umbrella term to describe all law officers or criminal justice professionals – or to say they are fundamentally racist – is offensive, Patzius said. However, the criminal justice system can become oppressive over time, especially to certain ethnic or social groups, and she knows some people hate to hear that. She said her years working with juvenile offenders exposed her to diversity issues — and how students coming from criminal justice backgrounds may not want to believe in these issues. She said if criminal justice professionals ignore the issues, they will never go away. “Regardless of their own personal opinions, I would love for students to be open-minded enough and be able to think critically enough to have these conversations that are very difficult – with their colleagues especially,” Patzius, a 13-year Lindenwood veteran, said. “I reflect on my college professors and how much of an impact they had on me when I was trying to figure out what to do. I’m so grateful to them, and this is my chance to try to do the same thing for my students.” Witherspoon combines stories from his time as a police officer with the most recent research to present compelling questions and dilemmas to his students in order to stimulate their thinking. In America, Witherspoon said, a lot of issues are based on race: “It’s interesting that when I present some of this evidence and research to students, as a black man, some of the black students may look at me as a sellout. At the same time, some of the white students might look at me as racist.” “I have to explain to them, I’m presenting research, not Witherspoon’s opinions.” The first few days are key to getting students to open up about these topics, Witherspoon said. He has to get students to trust they can speak openly, or they might shut down for the semester. Everyone has biases, and Witherspoon wants his students to challenge themselves and look at their own possible prejudices. “I have to be open and real with them about what’s going on,” Witherspoon said. “Just as I’m trying to teach them, I’m still learning as well.” “They get pretty brave behind a keyboard, a little more open about certain things,” said Patzius, the criminal justice and criminology program chair. “But we’ve had heated conversations in every class I’ve taught. And we should, because these are difficult topics.” This focus on current events and critical thinking is part of what makes Lindenwood’s criminal justice and criminology program so effective, Patzius and Witherspoon say. And while the professors possess the data and research the students will need to know, they also impart practical knowledge from their years as professionals in the field. Lindenwood professors are from diverse backgrounds who have many contacts with various organizations, including the FBI, DEA, and the juvenile justice system. As part of a relationship with St. Louis County police, Lindenwood students can complete the county police academy for college credit their final semesters, which graduates students with degrees and jobs. Students will soon have access to the Crime House, a forensic experiential learning facility. Devoted to criminal investigations, the Crime House will inspire more hands-on learning. “The idea is to set up in the rooms different types of crime scenes: blood splatter, broken bones, a baseball bat, you name it,” Patzius said. “The students will love it.” Ultimately, Patzius and Witherspoon hope their students acquire and develop the knowledge, skills, and impartiality to build bridges between themselves, their colleagues, and the public they serve. With open minds and lines of dialog, the problems of 2020 can be solved. With extensive careers in law enforcement, Drs. Patzius and Witherspoon bring real experience to the classroom FUN FACTS Did you know that during World War II the women of Lindenwood raised enough money through the purchase of war bonds and stamps to have a Victory ship and a fighter plane named after the college? Enough money was also raised to supply a ship with a library for the crew. ? DR. PERNELL WITHERSPOON It’s interesting that when I present some of this evidence and research to students, as a black man, some of the black students may look at me as a sellout. At the same time, some of the white students might look at me as racist. DR. PERNELL WITHERSPOON We’re human. Our emotions get in the way, but hopefully, we are teaching them how to keep those emotions from influencing behaviors. The S.S. Lindenwood Victory Ship