Panelists give personal accounts of diversity at ND
By MYRA McGRIFF
News Writer
Wednesday's panel discussion, "Colors of the World" provided students the forum to discuss diversity issues that face Notre Dame's campus. Through personal accounts of the impact Martin Luther King, Jr.'s words had on their lives, students were able to communicate their stand for diversity.
"It was a call to be honest with yourself and realize that all people are created equal and then make yourself available to others," said Dave Wyncott, senior member of Outreach ND.
To make oneself available to others becomes an anthem for minorities reaching out to diversify not only themselves, but also the rest of the student body.
By using organized multicultural groups like La Alianza, FASO, and Black Cultural Arts Council, students see doors opening into cross-cultural exchange.
"I remember during freshman orientation making a sign for La Alianza saying that we are for everyone," said Vanessa Assad, sophomore member of La Alianza.
In these groups students can enter into different environments and cultivate an appreciation for another person's culture.
"People should go to one of the events sponsored by one of these clubs, like the dances that FASO puts on. Or learn how to meringue," said Brian Moscona, sophomore.
One of the main issues facing Notre Dame's efforts to diversify lies in getting students to enter the door to cross-cultural exchange.
Although there are ethnic groups on campus giving an open invitation to all cultures, some find it hard to break the comfort of their individual lives and join.
"Notre Dame is a place of niches but that can be dangerous and that niche can turn into a click. So some may say, `Well, I am not African-American, so I can't go to those events,'" said Kelly Cooney, a senior.
Getting people to step outside their own life experience is an individual effort but, in the opinion of the students, one that must happen for true diversity Notre Dame's campus.
"It is everybody's responsibility, not just the responsibility of the minorities of the campus," said Cooney.
Students feel that seeing diversity as an "everybody" issue will enable people to move past their own life experience and into a different way of thinking.
"We will be able to understand others and see people through different eyes," said Joyce De Leon.
Although Notre Dame processes the tools to turn the campus into a cross-culturally interactive University, work still needs to be accomplished.
"We have a long way to go but with serious discussions and open dialogue, Notre Dame can spread," said Abdul Rashied Omar, graduate student.
All News Stories for Thursday, January 25, 2001
