Oklahoma City University prides itself on diversity and inclusion, but recent events have called the consistent practice of these values across the campus community into question.
In light of these events, it is important that students seek awareness of the different cultures represented in this community and take every opportunity to learn about those around them.
The number of multicultural events happening on campus is constantly growing.
An event hosted by the Hispanic Student Association called Tango Tuesdays will be from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 in the Student Lounge in Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center to bring people together and learn the style of Tango dancing.
The Lunar Moon Festival was Oct. 1 from 5:30-6 p.m. in the Student Lounge, where Hung Viet Lion Dancers performed to celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival.
The Native American Society frequently has Indian Taco Sales in the Watson Lounge, where tacos and frybread can be purchased.
Each year the Jewish Stars host a Passover Seder in the spring to celebrate the holiday and teach students the event’s significance.
The Black Student Association hosted their first Black Out Block Party of the year on Thursday, Sept. 26 with food, games, an inflatable, live music, and raffles.
Student Diversity and Inclusion organized an event on Sept. 12 to celebrate Muharram, the Islamic New Year, with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Pakistani cuisines served in the caf.
These events are just a small portion of opportunities students have available to them to experience different cultures. Each of these multicultural groups on campus welcome students of all backgrounds to attend their events.
Students should never feel afraid to experience and learn about something new. They can benefit immensely from talking to someone with a different background and learning why a specific experience or food means so much to them.
To find out about more multicultural events coming up, students can look at Student Diversity and Inclusion’s Facebook page and Student Affairs’s Facebook and Instagram page, and keep an eye on bulletin boards around campus for flyers as well.
By attending and supporting these events, students can work to decrease ignorance and increase acceptance of all cultures.
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