The great mixing pot
Multiculturalism is important for WSU to upholdPublished 1/27/2012
Comments (0)At Washington State University, multiculturalism is the crimson way.
The foundation of American values and beliefs are rooted in the diversity of the different cultures that make up our nation. We are, as our national motto states, out of many one, a nation that brings together the brightest and most unique cultures from around the world. Multiculturalism is what sets America apart and makes us original. Whether it is Germany, China, Ireland, Saudi Arabia or Mexico, each of us here at WSU should celebrate the nations and cultures that are part of us.
At WSU, the best comprehensive definition of the multicultural community is the network of students and faculty that utilize the resources of the Office of Multicultural Student Services (MSS), the Office of International Programs, the student resource centers and student organizations. Student groups consist of diverse interests, from Latin dances to fighting stereotypes about the LGBT community. In addition to cultural enrichment, the multicultural community encourages academic excellence among the student body, cross-cultural interaction and collaboration and social networking. The Academic Enrichment Center, a sub-division of the Multicultural Student Services, offers free tutoring to all WSU students in subjects ranging from economics to Chinese language and many more.
The multicultural community at Washington State University is also important to the Cougar family for another reason — addressing hate and ignorance on our campus. Although it is sad to say, fear of those that are different does exist in the Cougar family. It has taken many forms including physical attacks on members of the LGBT community, the usage of racial slurs and jokes in bars, fences erected on the mall and classroom discussions. While this is not true of the entire Washington State University campus, it does exist, and often times it is easier to ignore the incident and remain silent.
It is moments like these that we need to be an active multicultural community engaging in dialogues about these incidents, exploring ways to improve the campus climate and being supportive of those who have been hurt. For example, last year the ASWSU Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the office of Multicultural Student Services, recognizing the accomplishments of the office as well as the importance of the multicultural community to WSU.
As the 25th anniversary of Multicultural Student Services approaches, we encourage all students to embrace and live out the values of a diverse community. A community that accepts all regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation or religion. Lets share with each other our unique backgrounds and be true to our school’s motto, “World Class. Face to Face.”
Amanda Hatfield – ASWSU Director of Multicultural Affairs
Nikki Brueggeman – Chair of the Council of Multicultural Students Presidents
Derrick Skaug – ASWSU Senate Pro-Tempore
Endorsed by the Council of Multicultural Student Presidents
