I am planning a Diversity Week on my campus. Do you have any suggestions?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am the SG president of my university and I am planning for a Diversity Week for my school. Do you all have any ideas on different topics and events?

From the past research I have done I see that they focus only on race issues. For me diversity is more than just the color of your skin. It is your heritage, your religious beliefs, your sexuality, etc. I think we should celebrate that.

Any input on activities or speakers who you think would be great to bring on campus would be greatly appreciated it!

Answer 1

Here's a suggestion. Diversity Weeks and similar efforts on college campuses are great--I've participated in them several times.

But they very often--usually in fact--eiter ignore the students with disabilities or grant no more than token recognition.

There are plenty of organizations in every community that focus on disability issues that would be more than happy to participate--and would no doubt be willing to provide speakers, materials--whatever they can. their biggest problem is usually getting an opportunity to so--an invitation is a rare treat.

Your campus will have an Office of Disability Services. They can help--and can help you find the organizations in your community that can also participate.

Answer 2

Have activites so that there can be understanding and empathy towards those that are from the LGBTQ community. A great website is http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/lessonplans/sexualorientation1.htm
International food fairs are always good.
Have study abroad students talk about their expereinces abroad to encourage more students to want to do that.
Maybe have an interreligous service on campus that takes different aspects of worship into one service.
The game of life (not the board game) is another really good activity that deals with all differnt typs of diversity.

Answer 3

guest speaker....Rudy Wilson in the education dept. at SIUE
www.siue.edu

have a day dedicated to different types of diversity
example:
Monday-international day...people dress in traditional clothing of different countries, bring international food, folk dances, etc.

Tuesday-relgion day..have a study group where people explain their beliefs/practices

Wednesday-sex day! people dress as opposite sex or do something of opposite sex (such as go into the opposite bathroom) to see if people say something to them. Also...maybe have 2 guys or 2 girls holding hands around campus to see what remarks they get....then have a discussion about their day in the evening

Thursday-family diversity (Rudy Wilson as guest) single parent homes...only child..middle child....2 father homes...etc.

Friday- costume day....to wrap up the week everyone will be in different costumes to represent we are all different but underneath we are people....maybe have a school dance and play music from around the world and international students can show how they dance it at the clubs in their country

Answer 4

Tim Wise

Answer 5

How about a new twist, show how diverse people can all work together without focusing on their differences?