WICHITA, Kan. (GVP) — An expert on the thorny topic of racial profiling is taking a novel approach to teaching the sensitive subject this semester at Wichita State University.

In addition to his own textbook, students in the Racial Profiling class taught by Dr. Michael L. Birzer will hear scenes from the audio theater version of The Real Education of TJ Crowley -- an award-winning young adult historical novel set in the shadow of the university, vividly capturing a young white teen’s racial awakening during the Civil Rights era in Wichita.

The audio drama, performed by a racially diverse cast of 15 actors playing 23 roles, offers students an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional textbook discussions. The engaging listening experience brings the drama, characters, and diverse perspectives to life, enhancing students’ understanding of race in our society and the criminal justice system.

The advanced course explores how black and brown citizens experience, interpret, and give meaning to what they believe to be racial profiling by police. In the novel, a young white teen’s racial prejudice is encouraged by his mother and her boyfriend, but mediators at school and elsewhere help counter the biases that he is exposed to. As the story unfolds, the hero gains a new perspective through his experiences with people who look different, to the point where he rejects racism and is willing to risk his own life for what he comes to believe.

Selected scenes from the new audio drama will be heard in class discussions in which groups of students will be asked to discuss their experiences. In addition, students will look at the “mediating factors” (positive influences) in the story that help the character overcome personal biases and racism.

In the syllabus, Birzer writes, “Because we will discuss racial profiling and other issues centering on race and the criminal justice system, it is important that our discussions are civil in tone, and that we are courteous and respectful to each other.” Birzer believes the novel will foster the helpful discourse he's looking for.

Fostering Difficult Discussions

The audio drama will be part of a new racial literacy program, following Dr. Birzer’s curriculum and the TJ Crowley audio drama. Bridges Over Fences, an initiative by Wichita's Youth Educational Empowerment Program (YEEP), secured an equity grant from the United Way of the Plains' 'Promise on the Plains' program. This grant supports YEEP's mission to empower individuals aged 12-24 with essential racial literacy skills.

Grant Overstake to Speak on Tuesday

Grant Overstake, the co-author and executive producer of the TJ Crowley Audio Drama will be speaking to the class on Tuesday, February 6. This unique opportunity allows students to engage with the author and creator of the audio drama, gaining deeper insights into the creation process and the themes explored in the drama.

“I’m looking forward to interacting with the students on this topic and to experience their reactions to the audio drama in a classroom setting,” Overstake said. “There are young people today from all backgrounds who haven’t had an opportunity to really experience how other people live. They need a safe way to examine and discuss the biases and prejudices that we all tend to have toward people who are different, and we believe that an audio drama can help in the classroom.

“Some of Dr. Birzer's students are going to be police officers. I think this is a great way for them to prepare themselves for their future of interacting with people who are different, especially when wearing a badge.”

Preorder TJ Crowley Audio Drama

'The Real Education of TJ Crowley Coming of Age on the Redline’ will be released on June 11, 2024 and distributed by Blackstone Audio. The audiobook is now available for preorder on AudioBooks.com and Audible and other sites.