2008 Woodie Awards
Campus diversity meaningless without integration
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Opinion
PSU has numerous groups - the Black Student Association, the Saudi Students Association and Hispanics of Today, just to name a few. These groups were formed to support individuals who might feel outnumbered and overwhelmed on a predominantly white campus. But the organizations here do not exclude any member of the PSU community. Every student organization encourages members from all backgrounds to join their ranks.
And still, how many white students go to their events?
From our experience covering these groups and their events for the Collegio, we can say with some certainty that the answer is not many. Too often there are empty seats in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom when events like "Portraits of Courage," a series of monologues illustrating great black Americans, or BSA dances are held.
Rather than mixing together at cultural events, different races often remain separated, clinging to individuals who've had similar experiences, in part, because they come from similar backgrounds.
While events like those held in honor of Black History Month are important educational and cultural opportunities, the efforts of those who sponsor them are in vain if the only attendees are members of the Black Student Association.
The chance to interact with people from other races and other cultures, to celebrate differences and honor human commonalities, is an integral part of growing as a human being. This sort of interaction is what brings true diversity, not only of student body, but of student spirit.
And still, how many white students go to their events?
From our experience covering these groups and their events for the Collegio, we can say with some certainty that the answer is not many. Too often there are empty seats in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom when events like "Portraits of Courage," a series of monologues illustrating great black Americans, or BSA dances are held.
Rather than mixing together at cultural events, different races often remain separated, clinging to individuals who've had similar experiences, in part, because they come from similar backgrounds.
While events like those held in honor of Black History Month are important educational and cultural opportunities, the efforts of those who sponsor them are in vain if the only attendees are members of the Black Student Association.
The chance to interact with people from other races and other cultures, to celebrate differences and honor human commonalities, is an integral part of growing as a human being. This sort of interaction is what brings true diversity, not only of student body, but of student spirit.
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