Binghamton University launches virtual space where students can be heard

Sharon Bryant was concerned about Binghamton University students even before the social unrest that erupted following the death of George Floyd. The director of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences worried that students were feeling disconnected from friends, classmates, faculty and other sources of support due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Then, the nation exploded with protests over police brutality and racism with widespread rioting, demonstrations and public outcry for criminal justice system reforms.

For Bryant, it was time to act.

With approval from Mario Ortiz, dean of Decker College, Bryant established a Holding Space for summer students. Holding Space is a safe, virtual forum where students can discuss any feelings or concerns they have.

“I can’t think of a better time for an initiative like Holding Space, which gives our students the opportunity to share their feelings and be heard,” said Ortiz. “And, I am extraordinarily supportive of Sharon and this program, which I hope will help Decker College become a place where everyone feels they belong and are valued.”

A forum to be heard

The concept is a variation of the idea of holding space for someone — being present for, open to and protective of what another person needs in each moment. In this case, Bryant is providing a space where students can be heard.

“I have a 15-year-old, and he’d probably say that I try to tell him what to do way too much. But, when I think back to my time at that age, really what I wanted was to be listened to and not so much told what to do,” Bryant said. “What I like about Holding Space is that we say what we want to say and others hear us. And, hearing us gives us the ability to move forward because we have truly been heard.”

How a Holding Space participant chooses to move forward — or not — is entirely up to the individual. There is no requirement or expectation of action.

“It’s not a movement; we’re not going to tell students they should be out protesting,” Bryant explained. “Holding Space is really just a space for you to be heard, but it’s for you to figure out what you do from there, whatever it is. And, it doesn’t presume that you have to do anything.”

Holding Space will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. every Wednesday in June and July via a web-conferencing platform and is open to all Binghamton University students. Students may attend a single or multiple sessions and should contact Bryant at sbryant@binghamton.edu for a link to the invitation.

“If you don’t need the space today, but something happens to you over the weekend and you think, ‘I really want to be able to say this and I don’t have anybody to say it to,’ you can come to Holding Space and say it,” Bryant said.

Guided, yet open

Bryant modeled the format for Holding Space after anti-COVID messages presented on YouTube by inspirational speaker, author and television personality Iyanla Vanzant. This includes having ground rules for participants: Holding Space is a place for active listening without judgment, comment or repercussions. Because, like Las Vegas, what happens in Holding Space, stays in Holding Space.

Additionally, Bryant incorporates deep-breathing and mind-clearing exercises and includes poetry and song lyrics. She also uses prompts such as “I feel ___, because ___” and “I feel grateful because ___” since most people aren’t accustomed to the concept of Holding Space and it helps her guide the group.

Starting small and growing

When Bryant initiated Holding Space, she focused on Decker’s summer nursing students. She also included students participating in the summer research programs for the University’s Collegiate Science and Technology Program (Bryant is the director), McNair Scholars Program and Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation.

The first Holding Space, held June 2, drew one Binghamton student. The following week, there were two. In addition, the June 9 event included a few faculty and staff from Binghamton High School and the University.

Despite a slow start, Bryant says response from student and adult participants has been positive. In fact, Tamar Brown, assistant principal at Binghamton High School, was so impressed with Holding Space, she asked Bryant to hold a special session for the high school’s ninth-graders June 11.

“I desperately wanted to give the students (and adults) who I work with a supportive and affirming space to voice their feelings and to process current events,” Brown said. “When Dr. Bryant introduced me to Holding Space, I was hooked because it allowed me to acknowledge what was going on in the world without claiming to have all the answers. I think being able to hear students’ and colleagues’ stories and learn about their different experiences can help to build bridges and strengthen community.”

Moving forward

Bryant’s original plan was to lead Holding Space until Aug. 1; however, she may decide to extend the schedule if students are still interested and she continues to get good feedback. With classes beginning at the end of August — Bryant is also an associate professor of nursing and public health — it may be difficult to fit them into her schedule, but she is concerned that the coming elections and a possible resurgence of COVID-19 might bring added stressors that students may wish to discuss.

“Right now, in this particular space, we need to speak up and take action,” Bryant said. “I urge other people to think about their own talents or skills and think how they might be useful in this time.”