Focus on Diversity Series 2003-2004
The Focus on Diversity Series 2003-2004
is organized, facilitated and supported by the President’s
Diversity Action Council (DAC) and the Internationalization
Action Council (IAC). The intent of these sessions is to bring greater awareness
to issues of diversity and internationalization that affect students and faculty.
The sessions provide the attendants with skills, knowledge and content applicable
to domestic and international relations.
This year's series is sponsored by the Center for Academic Excellence, the Office of Affirmative Action, the President’s Diversity Action Council, and the President’s Internationalization Action Council. It was created by a subcommittee of the President’s Diversity Action Council with assistance from members of the President’s Internationalization Action Council.
Each session will take place twice a quarter on Thursdays from 3-5 pm in 228 Smith Memorial Union (The Multicultural Center. Please RSVP for the following sessions by contacting the Center for Academic Excellence at 5-5642 or psucae@netscape.net
Fall Quarter 2003
Theme: Native American Tradition and Culture
In celebration of PSU’s new Native American Student and Community Center
White Innocence and Native Americans
This session will focus on “white innocence” and Native Americans.
How is "guilt" and "innocence" institutionally constructed
in the pursuit of social justice of Native Americans? How does this differ from
the situations of other oppressed groups, and what are the implications for
the diversity curriculum? Facilitated by Tom Biolsi, Associate Professor,
Anthropology.
Thursday, October 23rd, 3 - 5 pm
228 SMU (Multicultural Center)
Pathways to Indian Country
In honor of Native American Month, there will be a discussion on some of the
current issues affecting Native Americans today. The importance of the Native
American Student and Community Center to the PSU student community will also
be explored. Facilitated by Rose Hill, Coordinator of Native American
Services in Educational Equity Programs and Services, and Mike Soto,
Interim Director, PSU Campus Public Safety.
Thursday, November 20th, 3 - 5 pm
228 SMU (Multicultural Center)
Winter Quarter 2004
Theme: Japanese-U.S. Relations
To mark the 150th anniversary of Japanese - U.S. relationship
The Myth of Japanese American
Sabotage at Pearl Harbor and the Internment of US Citizens
This session will include slides of racist wartime images of Japanese Americans
from Northwest newspapers. The use of misinformation in the creation of both
internal and external enemies will also be explored. Some of the mechanics by
which West Coast populist movements pushed for the removal and incarceration
of fellow citizens will also be discussed, including propaganda and the threat
of vigilante violence. Facilitated by Anne Galisky, past PSU student
whose thesis was titled, "Repressive Populism and the Internment of the
Japanese Americans of the Pacific Northwest.”
Thursday, January 22nd, 3 - 5 pm
228 SMU (Multicultural Center)
Challenges for Japan: A U.S. Perspective
The session will focus on the long term association both facilitators have had
with foundations in Japan whose objective is to foster greater understanding
in each country about the other. Tom Bartlett, former Oregon University
Chancellor and Board Chairman of the U.S.-Japan Foundation, will review his
leadership role in the 1990s at the Foundation, particularly their efforts to
foster mutual knowledge and education, create effective channels of communication,
and address common concerns. Gil Latz, PSU’s Interim Vice Provost
for International Affairs, will focus on his advisory role and participation
in the Shibusawa Ei'ichi Foundation's International Seminars on “Japanese
Studies, Challenges for Japan: Democracy, Business, International Relations.”
Thursday, February 19th, 3 - 5 pm
228 SMU (Multicultural Center)
Spring Quarter 2004
Theme: Caribbean Culture
To mark the 200th anniversary of Haiti’s independence, the first Black
Republic in the Western Hemisphere
The Impact of the Haitian Revolution
on the African Diaspora in the U.S. and the Caribbean
This session will focus on the impact of the Haitian revolution on the African
diaspora in the U.S. and Caribbean. Haiti was the site of the first effectively
successful slave revolt in the history of the Americas, making it the first
Black Republic and the second independent country in the Western Hemisphere.
The Haitian experience is an extraordinary example for all peoples around the
globe, especially for those who are concerned with issues of freedom and the
peace and peaceful co-existence that it brings to nations. Facilitated by Kofi
Agorsah, Professor in the Department of Black Studies.
Thursday, April 22nd, 3 - 5 pm
228 SMU (Multicultural Center)
Cultural Aspects of Disability
Within the Caribbean Culture
In this session, participants will look at disabilities through multicultural
lenses. Highlights will include West Indies’ personal stories of how living
with disabilities impacted both their life in the Caribbean and while living
in the United States. Facilitated by Polly Livingston, Coordinator of
the Disability Resource Services.
Thursday, May 20th, 3 - 5 pm
228 SMU (Multicultural Center)