Because of the recent Yik Yak posts the University of Northern Iowa National Coalition Building Institute sponsored a listening table for member of the UNI community to express themselves in a safe environment. 

The listening table, set up in Rod Library, welcomed everyone to come from 10 a.m. to  3 p.m on Thursday and Friday. 

“The idea of [the] listening table is to let everyone talk without judging him/her,” said Nicholas Pace, associate professor of educational leadership and principalship program coordinator.

Ashely Brickley, coordinator of student disabilities and a member of the listening table, said she was there to be a supportive person and will provide support to anybody who wants to talk.

“I am proud that UNI is understanding and cooperative of student’s needs,” Brickley said.

To visualize an encouraging and supportive atmosphere, members of the listening table wore black shirts with the slogan, “We can do better,” printed across the front.

“People get poisonous when they don’t express what they feel and that is the reason why we are here today,” said Lori VanHooreweghe, an academic advisor at UNI. 

VanHooreweghe reported that they will repeat the “listening table” several times in the future if it went well today. 

Susan Hill, director of the center for excellence, teaching and learning feels the university should do more to promote an environment in which students feel comfortable enough to express their feelings.

“There are not enough opportunities for people to talk. It is important to have a safe place to have this kind of conversation,” Hill said.