Students to Experience Cultural Learning at Diversity Week

October 4, 2018 Lucila Decia, Staff Writer

Hardin-Simmons will host Diversity Week starting from Oct. 8 to 12. This event is to connect HSU students with the community and have fun while learning about the different cultures on campus. This event is organized mainly by Nikki Rhodes, Director of Counseling Services and its goal is to make students aware of the diversity that resides on campus. The Global Engagement office is taking part in this event as well.

This is the first time that Hardin-Simmons will hold Diversity Week to address the cultural differences and experiences. There are going to be various events which will talk about race, gender, sexual identity, and Hispanic heritage. The Global Engagement Office also will display a video about refugees in the country.

“I think the main goal is bringing awareness, helping students to know that we see you and love you, and to let students see one another,” said Rhodes.

Events for Diversity Week

Oct. 8

7:00 p.m.: Drew Hart Lecture on Race & Faith

At this event, HSU has the honor to receive Drew Hart, a theologian at Messiah College and author of the book “Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism.” He mainly talks in his book about how it is to be a Black person in primarily White spaces. HSU brings him because his experiences might help other students who are going through the same struggles as he was. Rhodes also started a faculty/staff reading group last fall about race, and they read his book; they loved it, and they believe that his talk will be an excellent way to understand what other people might be going through.

The HSU Gospel Choir, created this year by Khamisie Green and formed of students, will perform at this event.

Oct. 9

9:30 a.m.: Drew Hart will speak at chapel.

4:00 p.m.: Diversity Speaks Panel

This is a space where students will be able to ask any questions to the different representatives of each gender and race groups.

“The idea is that students can come and speak about their experiences but also speak to each other about what is going on on campus and where they feel the areas need to improve and get a dialogue going,” said Nikki Rhodes.

8:00 p.m.: IRC Movie Screening: Refugees

The office of Global Engagement will display “This Is Home: A Refugee Story” directed by Alexandra Shiva.

“The purpose of this event is to bring awareness and inspire global perspective to the HSU community,” said Trey Hudgens, Director for Global Engagement.

After the film, there will be a question and answer panel with a current HSU student that is a refugee and members of the International Rescue Committee. First, they will answer the questions provided by the Global Engagement, and then those present can ask their own.

Oct. 10

12:00 p.m.: Hispanic Heritage Noon Lunch

Students, Faculty and Staff can come to the Connally Mission Center and enjoy typical Hispanic food, including dessert.

Oct. 11

6:00 p.m.: Come Out & Listen/LGBTQ+ Open Mic

This panel will be a place to share and hear the stories of students belonging to this community. If you would like to share your story anonymously click here.

If you have any questions about Diversity Week, contact the Counseling office at counseling@hsutx.edu

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