Diversity panel set to foster new discussion

The Shreve Hall Diversity Panel will be held at 7 p.m. April 5 in the residence hall's lounge. The event is open to the public, and a reception will follow.

The event will feature a panel of campus administrators and student leaders who will discuss successes and challenges confronting Purdue's attempts to increase campus diversity and create a welcoming community for all students.

Provost Sally Mason, Vice President for Human Relations Alysa Christmas Rollock, presidents of several student organizations, and representatives from University Residences and the Office of the Dean of Students are among those expected to participate, said co-organizer Matt Willmore, Shreve Hall staff resident.

"This discussion will be a starting point for the panelists and other participants," said Willmore, a graduate student from Columbus, Ind. "The discussion will include directions for future action, and it will be up to the participants to take those suggestions with them. Hopefully, positive changes can come from the discussion."

Lisa Willis, also a Shreve Hall staff resident who helped organize the event, said she hopes that the panel can broaden the discussion of diversity on campus wider than a discussion of race and ethnicity.

"There is a wide breadth of facets of diversity that are important on campus," said Willis, a psychology major in the College of Liberal Arts from Gary, Ind. "Race and ethnicity are important to address, and many groups are working on gender and sexual orientation issues. But it is important that we also consider factors such as religion, disabilities, socio-economic status and a whole host of other forms of diversity that can enrich Purdue."

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Matt Willmore, (765) 495-1261, willmore@purdue.edu

Lisa Willis, (765) 495-1260, williser@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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