Panelists at a university-hosted discussion last night came to the consensus that diversity is about more than just race.
Moderator Brian Bridges - Ohio University's vice provost of diversity, access and equity - and nine other panelists addressed a few hundred staff, students and locals in Baker University Center Ballroom.
Diversity is a relative concept... not easily defined in the abstract
said panelist Judith Grant, director of the Women and Gender Studies.
Panelist Amritjit Singh, OU's Langston Hughes professor of English, addressed the misconception that diversity is centered on race relations. Gender, sexual orientation and disabilities should also be considered factors of a diverse environment, he said.
The panel agreed that no formal definition of diversity exists because individual perceptions are different based on background and environment.
During the event, the panel presented a number of solutions to attain a more accepting environment on campus.
Panelist Joan Weston, who is a part of the department of African American studies, addressed the need for a diversity of voices in problem solving. These problems might never find solutions otherwise, she said.
Singh expressed the need to learn from different opinions in the classroom and embrace openness and expression among students, even if some viewpoints are hurtful or offensive to others. He explained that it is a greater danger to suppress opinions because misconceptions are never addressed.
Panelist Alexandr Maza, a junior studying political science and economics, addressed the internal struggles faced by minorities and the need to bridge this gap and build cohesion.
Maza, who is Cuban, said nationality among Hispanics or other groups could hinder unity.
We need to look beyond differences Maza said, advising minorities to reach out to strengthen their own communities.
Bridges hopes to sustain this dialogue into future community discussions and also better prepare OU for the changing world in the future with diversity education and training problems.
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Rachel Ferchak
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Brian Wills, a senior studying sports management, addresses John Schmieding, Judith Grant, Thomas Costello and Adrienne Isgrigg from the panel on diversity yesterday. The Ohio University Office for Diversity, Access and Equity hosted the event. (Eric Jones | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
