Olivia Alsept-Ellis |
A critical discussion of diversity comes to campus Feb. 24-28. Diversity Dialogues is sponsored by Multicultural Programs and is the 7th annual event of its kind at the University.
The panels provide opportunities to learn from other students and speakers on issues relating to diversity. This year, the speakers range from dance instructors to on-campus association leaders to locally sourced specialists.
Check out the scheduled events below to plan your week.
Monday:
ASUP kicks off the week of events with a 1-hour panel on “Diversity and Adversity” on campus.
St. Mary’s Lounge, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Immediately after, you can “Learn to Latin Dance” with the Latin Dance Club in the same place. The event is described as a “crash course on three common forms.” You don’t need to be an expert, you only need to be interested.
St. Mary’s Lounge, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Tuesday:
Coffee, treats and Mahjong are offered on Tuesday in an event called “Campus Connector Coffee Hour.” Mahjong is a game of tiles and strategy, originating in ancient China. International Student Services hosts the event in their lounge.
International Student Lounge, Christie Hall 022, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The Diversity Coordinators host an in depth, 2-hour discussion panel on “Building Community: Education on Cultural Appropriation.” Come listen to better understand how “microaggressions” impact our community and what being a “white ally” means, ultimately to build “respect for all cultures.”
St. Mary’s Lounge, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Late night Tuesday offers an “Interfaith Dialogue,” hosted by the Faith & Leadership House. The two-hour discussion showcases various religious denominations that share and discuss their experiences with their faith.
St. Mary’s Lounge, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
The Black Student Union’s event, called “The Black Individual,” is a 2-hour panel hosted late night in Franz 206. The identified Black or African American individuals speaking will be sharing “personal experiences and challenging stereotypes.” Come listen to our community, especially in honor of African American History Month, which is every February.
Franz 206, 9:00-11:00 p.m.
Wednesday:
Wednesday’s events begin at noon with the Campus Program Board’s event, “The Indentitree.” It is described in the student activities website as “sharing the word that best defines you with the UP student body.”
Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
“Understanding Immigration: Past & Present” is just over an hour and held in Franz Hall. Held by the Immigration & Student Action Club, this event is a critical discussion of the U.S.’s “challenges with immigration” and our countries vision of being a “melting pot.”
Franz 217, 4:15-5:30 pm.
The International Club’s “Caribbean Showcase” promises the Diversity Dialogue attendee a chance to see the “Caribbean culture through food, music, and activities.” The two hour window to catch this event is made easier because it is hosted at the same time as Espresso UP.
St. Mary’s Lounge, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Co-Founder of Bitch Media Andi Zeisler has been invited to UP’s Diversity Dialogues by the Feminist Discussion Group and Student Association of Social Workers. The workshop, called “Talking Back 101,” works to “identify bias” and “sexism in media and pop culture.” It also promises to enable students’ “strategic responses” to these forms of representation.
BC 163, 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Thursday:
Thursday is a day that is evening heavy, beginning at 5 p.m. with M.E.Ch.A.’s “M.E.Ch.A. 101 & Aztec Culture Event. This event seeks to promote “Aztec culture through music and dance.”
St. Mary’s 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Gay-Straight Partnership invites Francis Portillo to campus for their event, “Who Are We? A Discussion on Culture, Spirituality, and Identity.” This lecture discusses the intersections between “culture, spirituality, and identity.”
Terrace Room, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Friday:
Friday, the final day of events for the Diversity Dialogue Week, begins with International Student Services’ 2nd “Campus Connector Coffee Hour.” This round is different, however, because the event offers tea, snacks and “an intimate look into a culture represented by an international student at UP.”
International Student Lounge Christie Hall 022, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
The one-woman play about the “experience of being biracial,” “Mixed,” is the finale to UP’s 7th annual Diversity Dialogues Week.
Mago Hunt Recital Hall, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
