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Coordinator explains origin, importance of Diversity Week

Date 10/11/2001 12:00 AM | Topic: News

Editor's Note: In recognition of the importance of Diversity Week, Chips offers the words of Charlotte A. Kunkel, associate professor of sociology and director of women's studies.

Diversity Week officially begins on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear from two nationally renowned intellectuals addressing Luther's community-in one week! And that's not all. There's much, much more!

Cornel West will open the week's pursuit of learning with his lecture "Race and Democracy." Daily film screenings take place over lunch in Marty's, feature length films are showing in Valders, a performance by "Faces of America" is in the CFL on the Oct. 16, and diversity training, luncheons and an "open mic" are also scheduled. The week closes on Oct. 18 with another distinguished lecturer, bell hooks, on "Creating the Beloved Community." Look for the complete schedule on the Luther homepage.

Diversity Week is the collective effort of RAD, Resources and Action for Diversity, an informal staff and faculty organization that gathered together in 1999 to facilitate and initiate vigorous discussion and responsive action. RAD, as stated in its mission, "claims diversity to be an essential aspect of our activity as a community of faith and learning," and maintains that, "an effective learning environment must constantly strive to achieve a balance of cultural, racial, ethnic and social backgrounds that reflect some of the larger societal realities awaiting students upon their graduation." Diversity Week is one way to celebrate diversity by grappling with tough questions about race in the United States.

RAD was awarded a significant grant from the Iowa College Foundation to organize Diversity Week. The offices of Dean William Craft, President Rick Torgerson, the Multicultural Center and Student Senate are also supporting these events. We invite the voices of all persons to contribute to the conversations and activities of Diversity Week.

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Charlotte A. Kunkel
Diversity Week Co-Coordinator

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