What?

Here at Western we want to create a community that supports cultural diversity will enrich the learning process and academic environment by stimulating teaching and research with new perspectives. As a student at Western you can help to develop a campus climate where honest, civil and respectful communications can be achieved. Communication is necessary for reducing misinformation and building bridges across the barriers created by societal beliefs about race, ethnicity, gender, age, status, class, disabilities, sexual orientation, religion, etc. One of the most effective ways to achieve an understanding of cultural diversity is by taking advantage of opportunities to develop genuine relationships with individuals who are culturally different from you. The more informed you are regarding differing perspectives and lifestyles, the more marketable you will be in an increasingly diverse society and world.

Why?

Diversity is important because it affects everyone. Diversity is more than racial classification, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Diversity encompasses the whole range of human experiences including but not limited to age, gender, racial classification, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic class, physical disabilities, national origin, geographical location, political orientation, physical size and appearance. These factors influence the cultural experiences and backgrounds of individuals and groups. At The Real Talk Diversity Series, you will have an opportunity to interact and learn about the experiences and perspectives of individuals and groups from many cultural backgrounds. The Series will provide a forum to engage in and discuss critically many pertinent issues, serving as a bridge to the entire campus community. Many of the problems experienced by culturally different groups and individuals are based on cross-cultural miscommunication and misinformation. The Real Talk Series plans to serve as a catalyst to promote, celebrate, and increase awareness about diversity at Western, to recognize cultural differences as well as similarities, and to encourage cross-cultural interaction.