Diversity takes on new meaning

Although the term “diversity” traditionally suggests racial connotations, some MSU groups are aiming to alter that perception.

For Cindy Hughey, executive director of MSU Hillel Jewish Student Center, diversity means any characteristic that might be different from others, including culture and religion.

It also means constant challenges.

“Whether it’s defacing our building or remarks of anti-Semitism, I think there is a lot of prejudice against Jews,” Hughey said. “We keep it fairly quiet, but there is discrimination.”

There are 3,500 Jewish students at MSU, she said. That is about 8 percent of the student population.

During the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jewish students face further difficulties. Students need to take time off from classes, but not all professors are accommodating, Hughey said.

The university has no access to information about characteristics such as religion, disabilities and sexual orientation because it requires self-disclosure, said Paul Goldblatt, director of the Department of Residence Life.

Every fall semester, Residence Life produces a demographic report of all students that includes data on majors, residence and race. Despite the lack of statistics about nonrace-based diversity, Goldblatt said the university has altered its goals for inclusion.

“We try to be very broad with our definition of diversity to include many different types (of people),” he said. “Over the years, it has definitely widened.”

He cited size, weight and socioeconomic status as some other aspects of diversity.

In order to make all people feel comfortable at the university, Residence Life partners with different groups, such as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, Goldblatt said.

Raven Lewis, a student leader for Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience (MRULE), said the university does a fair job of promoting understanding of all groups – not just black and white students.

MRULE hosts weekly roundtable discussions throughout campus. Students discuss current events and participate in a pen pal program with South African children whose parents died of AIDS. Lewis, a biochemistry sophomore, said MRULE has about 250 to 300 participants.

The group doesn’t pay attention to the different types of diversity within MRULE, Lewis said.

“We don’t specifically target minority groups. We’re open to all students É I think that’s important,” she said.

Some believe people need to be proactive in combating nontraditional discrimination.

The university does work hard to promote tolerance and understanding, but it’s a difficult task, Hughey said.

“It’s a never ending job,” Hughey said. “Students come and go every year, so fighting prejudices is a continuous process.”

Published on Tuesday, January 15, 2008