Tue, Feb 7th, 2012
Brian Bridges, Vice Provost for Diversity, Access and Equity at Ohio University, spoke about fostering diversity at Hocking College's Cross-Cultural Day on Thursday, February 2, 2012.
Bridges began his speech saying, "I'd like to applaud Hocking College for refusing to give in to narrow-minded thinking, choosing to be a trend-setter in the realm of diversity and inclusion."
The Cross-Cultural Day was a chance for students to learn about other cultures through multicultural displays, food, music and activities.
Bridges stressed the importance of teaching diversity to college students so they can be prepared to participate in the diverse world of the future and move on, "with a curiosity and thirst for knowledge about the broad scope of cultures, beliefs and personal factors that add to the depth of the world in which we live."
Bridges also alluded to the incident that took place at Hocking two years ago where racist threats were made. He encouraged students to reflect on how they felt on that day and how they felt for the students who were victimized. Bridges invited students to think about how someone they know could feel that way on a regular basis when they are not in an inclusive environment.
"This event promotes the concept of diversity in a very real and practical manner, and it is my hope that it spurs individuals in this room to become involved in advancing a diversity agenda at home, on campus, at work, or wherever one may choose to," Bridges concluded.
Bridges began his speech saying, "I'd like to applaud Hocking College for refusing to give in to narrow-minded thinking, choosing to be a trend-setter in the realm of diversity and inclusion."
The Cross-Cultural Day was a chance for students to learn about other cultures through multicultural displays, food, music and activities.
Bridges stressed the importance of teaching diversity to college students so they can be prepared to participate in the diverse world of the future and move on, "with a curiosity and thirst for knowledge about the broad scope of cultures, beliefs and personal factors that add to the depth of the world in which we live."
Bridges also alluded to the incident that took place at Hocking two years ago where racist threats were made. He encouraged students to reflect on how they felt on that day and how they felt for the students who were victimized. Bridges invited students to think about how someone they know could feel that way on a regular basis when they are not in an inclusive environment.
"This event promotes the concept of diversity in a very real and practical manner, and it is my hope that it spurs individuals in this room to become involved in advancing a diversity agenda at home, on campus, at work, or wherever one may choose to," Bridges concluded.
