Leadership is the cornerstone of all successful organizations, but participation and community involvement are the pillars that enrich organizations with diverse viewpoints. As the new student liaison for KSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, I hope to inform and enlighten readers by reporting on topics discussed in the Disability Strategies and Resources meetings.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion works in alliance with students, faculty, administrators, staff and the surrounding community to promote KSU’s vision of developing a strong multicultural, diverse and inclusive educational environment. KSU is committed to producing well-educated students and future leaders who are well-prepared to effectively compete in a global society, and is equally devoted to offering continuous professional development opportunities. An essential component of both of these goals is the provision of a wide range of resources to faculty, administrators and staff in order to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion awareness.
The overall mission of our office is to facilitate a focused institutional effort to evaluate existing programs and develop new initiatives to support diversity, equity and inclusion at KSU through collaboration with campus and community constituents.
One of the events announced at the Oct. 1 meeting included the Atlanta premiere of the film “CinemAbility,” which took place on Oct. 15 at Atlantic Station. A Big Owl Bus escorted a group of students and staff to the event. This film, produced by Gold Pictures, details the evolution of how disabled individuals have been portrayed in film beginning with the silent film era. Co-produced and narrated by Jane Seymour, this star-studded documentary has been nominated for an Academy Award and has received standing ovations from directors, producers and actors.
Indeed, Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer of “The Walking Dead,” enthusiastically praised the film’s director, Jenni Gold, for her “talent and singular vision in the making of this film.” However, the Office of Diversity did not choose this documentary screening as an event merely because of its cinematic qualities but also because of its ability to open eyes and begin discussions. In a recent interview with Lynne Hagan, a learning specialist in KSU’s disAbled Student Services Department, expressed that this feature presentation should be shown in public schools to encourage children to accept others with disabilities. Hagan believes this because children simply take things for what they are, in a clear, unprejudiced way. “Conversation is the starting place; don’t put people in the corner,” Hagan said.
To continue to engage the campus community, an open forum will be held on Nov. 5 in the Social Sciences Building, Room 302. Faculty, staff and students will have an opportunity to voice their ideas, concerns or questions about diversity and diversity resources on campus.
Stay tuned and keep reading The Sentinel for updates as this event unfolds.
