Diverse Discussion
Dozens of students, faculty and staff explored issues of diversity Thursday morning as part of the annual "President's Conversation on Diversity."
President David Soltz offers introductory remarks at the "President's Conversation on Diversity" Thursday.
"One of my goals is to expand the impact of the Multicultural Center and infuse multicultural perspectives on our curriculum," said BU president David Soltz in his introduction. Soltz added that he'd like to establish an external diversity council. "I want some access to eyes and ears from the community for advice."
Provost James Mackin discussed the specific wants in which BU's student body, faculty and all employees have become more diverse over the last several years. "These conversations we've had over the last several years have really made a difference. And having a diverse faculty has an impact on students."
Mackin elaborated on how search processes have been analyzed to ensure that qualified applicants were not unnecessarily excluded from candidate pools. He also noted that BU has signed a memorandum with historically black Fisk University. "We're forming connections where we need help with diversity, particularly in education. The word is out that this is a university that welcomes diversity."
Irvin Wright, director of Act 101/EOP and assistant to the Provost for Diversity and Retention, put BU's diversity initiatives in a historical context, noting that the university's first major efforts to recruit minority students began in 1969. In 1977, 4.75 percent of students enrolled were minorities, a number that has grown to 10.65 percent in 2008, Wright said.
There were also comments from a student panel, consisting of Megan Acevedo, Nancy Ayllon-Ramirez, Jeremy dePrisco, Cachete Hird, Terrell Garrett, William Negron Jr. and Aaron Smerling. Among the topics student panelists focused on were funding and coordination of student organization activities.
Guest speaker Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity at Penn State University finished the morning with a presentation that was entertaining and factual.
Don't assume awareness of diversity has anything to do with genetics," said Jones. "It has everything to do with your life experience and your education."