Diversity Week is a traditional festival of educational and impactful events that occur every fall semester. This year there are even more eye-opening events in which students can participate.
On Monday, Sept. 26, at noon in the Ceddia Union Building (CUB), students attended the first event kicking off diversity week, “A few things you need to know about racism and ableism.”
Theo Braddy facilitated the lecture and discussion. Braddy discussed how people in the world can be misinformed and ignorant due to the media, religion, politics, our peers, and many other sources. Braddy asked students to “check themselves” to see if they are the ones “stinking up the place.”
However, he was not stating this in an offensive tone about someone’s hygiene but the aspect of ignorance. Are you the one using stereotypes to create racism?
“Ableist and racist ideas are based on misconceptions, misinformation, falsehoods, myths, stereotypes, and biases,” Braddy said.
At 7 p.m. on Sept. 26 there was an “Invisible Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy” event. Christina Irene hosted the talk in the Luhrs Performing Arts Center.
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, at noon in CUB MPR B, there will be Safe Zone Training, facilitated by Sahara McGrath, coordinator of the PAGE Center.
“Being JEDI for LGBTQ+ Inclusion” will be at 5 p.m. in CUB MPR A. This event will be hosted by Todd Snovel, the chief leadership and engagement officer for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.
Wednesday, Sept. 28, at noon in MPR A, “How to Find a DEI Employer,” will be run by Manuel Ruiz, SU’s director of social equity, and Various Employer Partners.
“The Power of the Black Superhero” will occur at 5 p.m. in MPR B and C. This event will be hosted by McKinley Milton, Renee A. Paxton, and Kermit O.
Thursday, Sept. 29, at noon in Orndorff Theatre, “Navigating Identity Through an Intersectional Lens,” will be facilitated by Steven Lopez, Manuel Ruiz and a student panel.
Allison Dagnes, an SU professor of political science, will host “Political Speed Dating” at 5 p.m. in CUB MPR B.
Friday, Sept. 30, the Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) will have the annual “Big Quilt Reveal” at 3 p.m. on the front lawn of Gilbert Hall.
According to the Diversity Week webpage, “It is a way that the whole campus can come together and declare that as a campus we will value and appreciate every member of the Ship family and we will seek equality and justice for all.”
The week will close with the Latino Student Organization’s annual “Latino Explosion” event in the CUB MPR on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 4 p.m..
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