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Commentary – A Dream, Realized? Diversity dialogue questions equality in modern society Amber Alarid, Staff Reporter (2nd)
This News article was published in the January 26 issue of the Highlander.
In 2004, Regis began hosting diversity dialogues in the hopes of keeping "diversity as an ongoing topic within the university," said Sandra Mitchell, assistant provost for diversity. This semester, the dialogues continue to address diversity issues affecting the Regis and global community.
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, about 20 people honored Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with a dialogue entitled, "Dream Realized?" The dialogue was meant "to give context to words that were said [over] 40 years ago," said Mitchell, because "sometimes you may find you're not the only one confused."
As in past diversity dialogues, participants were asked to do a sociometiric exercise, where several opening questions help participants shape their thoughts. This particular exercise asked participants to "vote with their feet" when asked about Dr. King's dream. A large majority of the participants stood along the middle of the line, citing the recent election of President Barack Obama as proof of great progress in the realm of embracing diversity, but that there is still room to grow.
Despite what progress has been made, though, Mitchell urged people to remember that the activity represented "a line" we all walk. "We don't exist in a vacuum," Mitchell explains, "and our ideas don't exist in a vacuum, they will change. If you leave a dialogue with questions, it's been a successful dialogue."
As for diversity problems that still exist, several students suggested implementing a zero tolerance policy as a solution. This policy puts individuals in charge of stopping offensive behavior and asking friends to avoid using offensive language.
Why do people hold certain stereotypes to be true? Why do people use certain language that is derogatory in casual conversation? Why do people have prejudices? In order to do this, one student asked "Why?" in an effort to get to the root of the problem.
Once you see the situation from the other person's point of view, she said, solving the problem becomes much easier.
Mitchell hopes that one day Regis students will no longer need diversity dialogues. She looks forward to the day when they are "a thing of the past," reflective of problems that no longer exist. Until that day comes, however, such dialogues will continue to be one of the paths the Regis community takes towards a more inclusive society
First Presbyterian/One Columbus dialogue group continues
The next meeting of the dialogue group will be on Tuesday, September 22. As always, anyone interested in joining the dialogue group is welcome. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the First Presbyterian Church Museum. As a reminder, during construction and renovation of the building, all are requested to enter from the 11th Street side of the complex just east of the main church building (in the middle of the block between 1st and 2nd Avenues). The Museum is at the far end of the hall leading from the entrance doorway. I hope to see you there.
H. Berrien Zettler - 706-324-6363
Race Relations breakfast to feature Marshall Greg Countryman Wednesday, September 23
Race Relations breakfasts meet on the second and fourth Wednesday mornings at Ruth Ann’s Restaurant at 7:15 am. On the fourth Wednesday presenters are asked to address “My Challenges With Race” followed by discussion.
The Marshall has had some real challenges in his life and you should not miss this event.
$7:00 is asked of attendees
Contact: Lee Brantley at 706-324-6471
