We are taught to push through difficult situations from a young age and at all cost to keep moving forward. Often times this doctrine fails our society.

As administrators  here at LBCC have been working hard to understand each steps taken to deal when dealing with  the confrontation that took place between a student and a staff member on the 23rd of April in the Learning Center, Students and staff alike are in a limbo wondering what's next.

We sit in class day in and day out here at LB discussing different scenarios that have changed society, be it through documented studies in communications class ,scientific research in social psychology class , or some mind numbing literature for writing class. We are asked to apply stories from different contexts and apply them to here and now. I suggest, we may never have an opportunity like this again to study a contemporary example how misunderstandings plague our society. There are lessons inside of lessons regarding the complexities of what took place that day and also, as well as in the days that followed. Not talking about what happened on the 23rd of April  is the biggest mistake we can let happen.  We should use this situation to become better people.

The confrontation between a student and a staff member on the 23rd of April in the Learning Center cannot be undone; Nor can the systematic decisions that came in response to the escalating circumstances after all they worked exactly as they were meant to.  We seem to be caught up on who was right or wrong, and not why the disagreement  happened in the first place. Although their exchange is integral to this conversation, we need to be able to take a few steps back so we can see the whole picture. We need to also consider what is happening as the aftermath continues to unfold too. What about the way have we handled this? have we been fair? have we looked at all sides? These questions are examples of the whispers and low grublings filtering through the air on campus these day.

Although he could not discuss actions taken by the administration, Scott Rolad Director of Human resources here at LBCC made it clear that the school takes situations like this seriously. Roland was able to confirm the school’s process has involved an in depth investigation into the happenings of the 23 of April. He explained that,

“ The parts of the system worked how they were supposed to after the initial contact.” and “Something went wrong,” said Roland,

Dave Henderson, President of finance and operations is another administrator at LBCC working hard to make sure the systems we have work properly on campus, he said,

“We are having a conversation about de escalating situations like the one in the Learning Center with all public safety officers”

Our campus is a centrifuge for creating critical thinking individuals for both Linn and Benton counties. This is  the kind of situation  to run to, not to run from. We can define ourselves here and now. We can show the people of our communities just what we are made of here at LBCC. This event is an opportunity to demonstrate solving difficult situations. Isn't the goal of becoming educated about equipping oneself with the tools to handle life?

Difficulties don't come at opportune moments... ever. We reflexively set problems aside after all.there will be time to deal with it later when it is easier.