Welcome to Equity, Diversity and Compliance
Peaceful Demonstration
PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION
Sponsored by Black Faculty & Staff Association & Allies
April 30, 2008; 11 am – 2 pm
Sanford Mall
On Wednesday, April 30, the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) and allies hosted a peaceful demonstration to show students that there is a network of faculty, staff and community members available for dialogue and support in the face of challenges and adversity they may experience on campus and elsewhere in society on the basis of their personal and racial/ethnic backgrounds. The demonstration also gave passersby moments to pause and to reflect on what it means to be a member of a diverse and welcoming academic community.
Tables with paper and a “tell your story” box were provided for individuals to share their personal stories, thoughts or feelings about cultural insensitivity. Respect for diversity in the full realm is important to Appalachian. On our campus, as on many around the country, we are more fully acknowledging that the need is more intense now than ever before for meaningful dialogue about race, as well as an array of characteristics – ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disabilities, age, sex, and countless more.
Appalachian is proud that approximately 60 people actively participated in this unifying demonstration. Further, the demonstration was respectfully observed and engaged in by hundreds of students and employees. At the close of the academic year, this demonstration has sent a clear signal about the importance of acknowledging that everyone has a valued place at the Appalachian table. Further, it sets the stage for ongoing dialogue and learning about the critical matters of race and the multi-faceted aspects of being human in this increasingly global society.
A sampling of the comments shared by participants and observers
I WILL NOT TOLERATE....
- Ignorance to issues that affects us all and the excuse that "I did not know it would offend somebody"
- An academic setting where those in charge refuse to welcome dialogue amidst discourse
- "closet" racism!!
- Preferential treatment because I am a white male
- Racial injustice or intolerance
- The feeling of seclusion by race, culture, or religion
- Administrators who don't embrace _every _student
- Lies, half-truths, cowardice in the face of potential growth and change
