Photography by Jonathan Hagen
The Point wanted to know this semester: what does it mean to be the Biola family? When controversies and conflicts arise, as they inevitably do, how can we best approach them? We asked and you responded.
Do you feel that Biola is a family?
“I do feel like it is one big community with little families in it, but I think the bigger community allows for those little families to happen. At the end of the day, you’re still a ‘Biolan’ and you’re still part of the family whether or not you’re in this clique or that clique.” – Elise Bireline, junior liberal studies major, Thompson R.A.
How do you view controversy at Biola?
“I think that as a school it’s good to have controversy and discussion, especially when it has to do with things that have a spiritual aspect… Here I definitely feel that and people are intentional with family and community.” – Leanne Bergey, junior psychology major, Torrey student
Do you think there are unheard groups on campus?
“There are many segments of the Biola campus who probably don’t feel as comfortable to speak out and may be feeling unheard. I think that God has placed some people here to try to help create things for those groups.” – Deshonna Collier-Goubil, sociology professor
Do you think that Biola has developed in dealing with controversy in a way that equally benefits its community?
“I think that overall, the goal is to make the body happy but part of that includes the sponsors…There are many voices in our family” – LaDawn Johnson, sociology professor
What should we know about conflict?
“Conflict is a good thing. It is problem solving and new life comes through conflict.” – Doretha O’Quinn, vice provost of Multi-Ethnic and Cross Cultural Engagement
“People can get hurt in conflict. In an ideal situation, I’d like to see no one get hurt in a conversation and have everyone feel heard.” – Carolyn Kim, journalism professor
How can the Biola family best approach conflict?
“I’m going to invite you into the decision making, invite participation and feedback and give you a clear description of the decision we made and why we made it. [That’s] as much transparency as you could expect.” – Jason Oakes, biblical studies professor
What characteristics of a family do you see in the Biola family?
“I see support and a loving-kindness despite adversity, especially with the idea of wanting to be a close family,” – Elise Bireline, junior liberal studies major, Thompson R.A.
