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The panel consisted of speakers including students, members of Solidarity and professors in philosophy, journalism and sociology.
The purpose of the teach-in was to inform those in attendance of the somewhat derogatory connotation of the word "lady" when used to specify gender in athletics.
Members of the panel suggest that rather than using the word "Blue Raiders" in reference to males and then "Lady Raiders" in reference to females, perhaps our teams should be designated as "men's" and "women's" (i.e. men's basketball and women's basketball).
"When we use the word 'lady,' today at least, we recognize it as sort of a sexist remark," said Ryan Husak, a member of Solidarity. "It is used to sort of suggest secondary status."
Because of the connotations of the word "lady," it is demeaning to athletes to refer to them in this manner, according to Husak.
"There are certainly formal occasions in which one would like to be treated as Mr. or Mrs. Significant, and we say Ladies and Gentlemen ... that's sort of a norm at restaurants and awards ceremonies, but just about everywhere else ... it just isn't really appropriate," he said.
To the people who believe saying Raiders and Lady Raiders to inform spectators of the gender of the team playing, Husak said that MTSU could take out the word "lady" with little or no confusion to the MTSU community.
"There was once the dance team, I think it's called the Lightning Raiders; they were the Raiderettes, and they changed that - not much confusion," he said.
Husak also makes reference to the fact that, at one time, all women's athletic teams were called the Lady Raiders. However, that is no longer the case. Now the only teams that are referred to as Lady Raiders are those those overlapping with a men's team, with the exception of volleyball.
Senior Ciara Gray, who is playing in her fourth season on the women's basketball team, understands both sides of the argument.
"I see that they think if you just say Raiders, it means male, but I think it would be better to change it," she said. "I haven't heard anybody complain, though."
As a matter of fact, Gray is not the only one who hasn't heard athletes complain.
According to Husak, women athletes were not only invited to listen to the talk-in, but they were also invited to come to the event and express their thoughts about being referred to as "lady."
However, there were no athletes who chose to be on the panel or attend the seminar.
Jackie Eller, a professor of sociology, questions whether or not the word "lady" is the deciding factor of equality in sports.
"Words do unfairly categorize and minimize potentiality," Eller said. "Yes, words hurt and limit. Is this the case of the 'Lady Raiders?' Perhaps so."
However, simply using the word "lady" does not necessarily translate into a negative connotation for all sports teams.
"I see what the Lady Vols have been able to do. They have been able to sort of take a potential derogatory in the meaning and uplift it to an identity that they encapsulate," Eller said. "And Pat Summit is recognized as an intimidating and extremely competent coach for the team."
Even so, Eller says that taking out the word "lady" will not create complete equality between teams at MTSU.
"But if we change, as many universities have done, to equity in names such as Raider women and Raider men, will equity occur?" she said.
"Well, I don't think so. Not without more hard work throughout society that continues to point out the evils of inequality and make necessary changes."
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