Equality among all individuals is still a big issue in today’s world; the student led protests that were being held at the University of Missouri are another in a long line that has spanned across the country over the last two years.
We, at the Penmen Press, are fully supportive of the Missouri students’ peaceful protests for racial equality. We would also like to recognize Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), the Office of Diversity Initiatives, and the clubs and organizations on campus for all of their efforts to create a community where students of any background can feel welcome.
Generation Equality is the first among these groups. They aim to build a community on campus for Lesbians, Gays, Transgender, Questioning, and their Straight Allies (LGBTQA). They hosted the National Coming out Day photo-shoot in the Dining Center Oct. 11. They stated on their Facebook account that, “This event was challenge by choice, in which individuals did not have to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity if they did not want to. As an alternative, many participants chose another aspect of themselves that they wanted to share with the rest of the campus community.”
International Student Association also promotes diversity among the student body by hosting events that share cultural knowledge and experiences that both international and domestic students can participate in. One of these events was their celebration of Diwali, a Hindu festival of light, Nov. 15.
The Beloved Community is another organization that speaks for students of color and diversity allies at SNHU. A quote from their Facebook page says, “As a growing and diverse support group we strive to be a voice for students, providing unified learning experiences and an open mind for differences while providing a home away from home.” On Nov. 2 they co-sponsored in the Privilege Walk with Generation Equality.
S.A.G.E. discusses issues related to feminism, roles of men/ women in society, and intersectionality. During Domestic Violence Awareness Week S.A.G.E. and the SNHU Deborah L. Coffin Women’s Center hosted a community panel of survivors and experts from the Manchester area to speak about domestic violence. They also encouraged students to take part in the Purple Heart Campaign which is a pledge of nonviolence.
But Generation Equality, ISA, Beloved Community, and S.A.G.E. are only some of the organizations on campus that make students and faculty at SNHU feel like they belong.
SNHU as a campus will continue to spread a sense of community to all members by participating in International Education Week from Monday, Nov. 16 through Saturday, the 21 and hosting many diverse events. Events will include “Student Experiences through Study Abroad,” “SNHU’s Global Village,” and an “International Passport Dinner”.
While many campuses face challenges every day to make up for what they have not done, SNHU seems to always be progressing and adding to the good work they have already done. The sense of pride in the community’s diversity is unifying as it allows us to stand together in the light of national change and changes of our own.
