” Next week many activities and events centered on diversity will be on campus. Diversity Week, from Sept. 21 through Sept. 26, will have events to celebrate and educate The University of Akron Community in diversity. According to the Department of Student Life, which is putting on Diversity Week, diversity includes race, religion, culture, age, gender, sexual preference and body type.”
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Next week many activities and events centered on diversity will be on campus. Diversity Week, from Sept. 21 through Sept. 26, will have events to celebrate and educate The University of Akron Community in diversity.
According to the Department of Student Life, which is putting on Diversity Week, diversity includes race, religion, culture, age, gender, sexual preference and body type.
Many of the events occurring next week will take into account at least one of these qualities, if not several. The week will be kicked off with Reargument in Loving v. Virginia on Monday, at 5:15 p.m. in the C. Blake McDowell Law Center. Also on Monday is Everything You Wanted To Ask, But Were Too Afraid To… LGBT An Open Forum, an open discussion to better understand the LGBT community, and National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Meet the Greeks at 6 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre and third floor meeting rooms.
These are just some of the events that one can expect during next week. Along with these, there are several more experiences that students can participate in that will expand their perspective on diversity.
On Tuesday, there are the Diversity Games in the Student Union, Kimberly Dark: Is That a Dude? Lesbian Gendering: There’s More To It Than You Think! , at the EJ Thomas Stage Door.
Diversity Week has been going on for at least eight years at the University of Akron. It encourages the campus community to increase awareness and celebrate the visible and non-visible differences in the human race.
Among non-visible differences are spiritual differences. The UA Spiritual Diversity Fair addresses non-visible differences. It will take place from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union.
Also on Wednesday is Carlos Gomez: Slam Poet and the Black Jew Dialogues. Carlos Gomez will be addressing diversity issues and current events through his poetry at the EJ Thomas Stage Door at 7:30 p.m.. The Black Jew Dialogues will be at 9:30 p.m., also at the Stage Door.
Different organizations on campus participate in diversity week by sponsoring events. The number of events by each organization is not required or limited in any way, as long as the event is consistent with the theme.
Sponsored by the Pan-African Student Organization and Residence Hall Council, is Breaking Barriers of Diversity: Q and A Discussion. The attendee centered program seeks to get rid of stereotypes about cultures, backgrounds, or nationalities of people. This program will take place on Thursday in the Student Union Ballroom at 6 p.m. Javier, a singer and songwriter, will also be on Thursday. He will be at the EJ Thomas Stage Door at 8 p.m.
Students and faculty are encouraged to attend diversity week events, not only to expand their perspective on diversity, but to discuss and learn about diversity while having a good time.
Glow With Us: LGBT and Allies Social takes place on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.
Ending diversity week out this year will be the Cultural Crockpot Cook-off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the McDowell Law Center Cafeteria. Participants are invited to cook in their crockpots and allow other participants to taste their food.
Also on Saturday is The Office of Multicultural Development Annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner following at 6:30 p.m. For free student tickets to this event contact Ronda Williams at 330-972-8133
Throughout the week, during the Student Union hours of operation, there will be the Of Many Colors-Photo Display in the Piano Lounge on the Second floor. The display will include photos and interviews with 20 families who have bridged racial gaps through interracial relationships or adoption.
The sponsoring organizations and the Department of Student Life strive to keep programs centered on diversity. Any groups wanting to be represented in diversity week in the future or anyone with questions can contact Lorri March, the Assistant Director of Campus Programs at 330-972-5517.
Call news writer Andrew Shroades:
330-972-7362
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