The Third Space Center, located on the Fouts Center for Visual Arts lawn, is lined with art set behind beanbags, a barber chair and a dining room table. The new center is a space designed for BIPOC students by BIPOC students, installing elements that they see as critical to creating a sanctuary on campus. The Third Space Center opened on Oct. 1 and is intended as an ever-evolving space that can grow alongside BIPOC students’ concerns and needs. Kaelyn Pyke, the Third Space Interim Coordinator, talked about why the space was created.
“Data tells us that predominantly white institutions are really hard on communities of color, and it requires a lot of work on [BIPOC people’s] part, all of the time, to be expected to educate and call out the racism and microaggressions that we see and it’s just exhausting,” Pyke said. “Students on campus and staff on campus have felt unsafe in a variety of ways, whether that be academically or [in other ways]. With that information, the college said we need to do something.”
Recent Hispanic Studies and Global Health graduate Katie Jose was part of the Third Space Planning Committee and talked about why she decided to get involved in planning the Third Space Center.
“It is essential to have a space where students of color can feel at home—a safe, welcoming, fun and relaxing sanctuary where they truly belong. This is the vision we have for the Third Space Center. It was created specifically for students of color to study, hang out, meet with clubs, cook their cultural meals and simply exist,” Jose said.
One of the core parts of the Third Space Center is it being student-designed to match the needs of individual students and communities on campus. Quin Nelson, former DEIA Program Coordinator and DEIA Project Specialist at Whitman, discussed the necessity of student involvement and how Whitman centered student design.
“The design process was made to be as student-led as possible. We facilitated consistent meetings with BIPOC student leaders and relevant staff to discuss their hopes and dreams for the Center, and continued to center student perspectives for all decisions, from major renovations to selecting furniture and artwork,” Nelson said. “It’s a student space, and should reflect that in the design. Hopefully it does, and will continue to do so.”
Jose agreed. As one of the many students who worked on the project, she felt that students played an integral role in the creation and design of the Third Space Center.
“Along with my fellow committee members, I was responsible for designing the interior of the space. We were intentional about every detail, including the wall colors, layout, inclusive design principles, furniture and appliances. My favorite aspect of being on this committee was witnessing the project come to life,” Jose said.
Pyke hopes that this type of student involvement will continue into the future of the Third Space Center. Pyke found pride in being able to help BIPOC students create a space for themselves.
“Being able to create a space that felt good and felt safe is just like a dream. It is what college me and high school me, you know, would have wanted to feel safe in a space,” Pyke said.
Jose hopes that the Third Space Center will remain a mainstay on campus for the BIPOC community and become a pillar of safety and pride.
“To the current and future students who will use the Third Space Center: You deserve to feel safe and welcome at Whitman. You belong here. Continue to use this space to explore the complexities of race, racism and race relations. Share, protest, lead and learn within these walls. Embrace and celebrate the vibrant histories and cultures of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color that exist and thrive across the country and around the globe. Be yourself, loud and proud in this haven,” Jose said.
Alongside the Third Space Center’s opening, Whitman will host an ongoing speaker series that features speakers engaging themes of cultural pluralism to continue dialogue surrounding the Center’s goals.
