by Casey Hendrickson ’20
Dr. Lawrence R. (Larry) Frey, a renowned communication professor at the University of Colorado – Boulder, visited the College October 24, 2018, to discuss the promotion of social justice through communication activism. Frey was hosted by the School of Arts & Communication.
Frey began his lecture by discussing numerous social justice issues in contemporary society, arguing that every issue merits action. “There’s no shortage of social problems that face us,” Frey explained. Frey believes that some of this social justice action can, and should, occur through academia. He suggested that in academia there should be a rejuvenated focus transitioning research from observation to intervention. “Educational institutions have drifted away from that civic mission,” he stated.
This is specifically relevant in communication studies, where activism for social justice through research and teaching can be conducted. “Activism demands the use of communication,” Frey explained to the audience. “These interventions make a difference through research and teaching.” Communication researchers have the ability to use communication theory and practices to intervene and reconstruct unjust discourses in an impartial way.
Frey presented a range of communication assessment instruments such as workshops, conferences, media advocacy and campaigns, some of which he has used within his own community-based projects and research. One of Frey’s latest projects is with Turning the Wheel Productions, an intergenerational theatre company that integrates dance and self-expression into programs designed to help at-risk children. Working mostly with Latino/Latina children, the organization helps them develop stronger communication, leadership, and group or community engagement skills. Frey was able to provide evaluative research, both qualitative and quantitative, for the company to assess success rates of the program, helping to maintain its funding.
An important aspect of social justice scholarship is to make a difference, which is what sets this initiative apart from typical research studies, which are typically designed for publication in scholarly journals. “Most of applied communication research is just offering recommendations,” Frey explained. “I’m talking about making a difference through your research practices.”
Toward the end of his lecture, Frey urged professors and students in the audience to reevaluate their courses. “Every single course can be oriented toward activism, if, the professor and the students want it to be,” he said.
After his lecture to the School of Arts and Communication, Frey also visited multiple communication courses on Thursday, October 25 as a guest speaker. Commenting on Frey’s visit to his communication research methods course, which uses one of Frey’s textbooks, Communication Studies Professor Dr. John C. Pollock observed: “Larry has been engaged in fascinating applied research helping community outreach groups for many years. Facilitating grant applications and renewals, Frey’s work represents a “gold standard” for helping activists measure their progress.”
“Communication activism is a significant form of research,” Frey concluded. “We do it because we know, fundamentally, it’s the right thing to do.”