Third annual Diversity Day promotes cultural awareness
- May 1, 2012
In support of its commitment to diversity, Cal State East Bay showcased its multicultural strengths during the third annual Diversity Day May 16 on the Hayward Campus.
“It’s a reminder of what the core mission of our university is all about,” said Terry Jones, professor emeritus and chair of the FDEC. “It highlights some important strategies that our departments and colleges are using to create an atmosphere that is diversity-centered.”
CSUEB organizations, clubs, colleges and individuals showcased presentations ranging from video and online productions to workshops focusing on student, staff and faculty experiences of diversity on campus. Organizers say each creative submission will relate those experiences to larger issues of inclusion and social justice, such as the theme for this year’s event “From Personal to Political: Perspectives on Diversity at CSUEB.”
Acuna, professor emeritus in the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at Cal State Northridge and author of “Occupied America,” delivered an interactive presentation. Renown in academic circles, Acuna often is referred to as “the father of Chicano studies.”
The multicultural event also featured a panel discussion on dealing with diversity during challenging times.
“Our motivation for the celebration is a reminder to our campus community of its stated commitment to diversity,” said Salmon. “We accomplish (this) by celebrating and rewarding those departments and offices on campus that follow through with their commitment to recognizing and sustaining diverse programs, staff and faculty here at CSUEB.”
Although the event was organized by the Faculty Diversity and Equity Committee (FDEC), the celebration was a collaborative effort among members of the CSUEB community.