Promoting Diversity

NIC’s Diversity Steering Committee was created for the very reason of promotion of the diversity and uniqueness of all people.

Last year, the committee funded approximately six to eight programs. They purchased a table at the Gonzaga Human Rights Banquet, and founded the Footsteps social injustice program They also hosted the American Indian Heritage Fest, Thubten Chodron, a Tibetan Buddhist nun, deaf Comedians, Windell Smith Jr., and Keith Wann.

“Anything and everything that can be regarded as diverse is considered by the committee members,”  Heather Erikson, assistant director of student development, said.

The amount of proposals has already doubled this year, with familiar faces making another appearance, such as the American Indian Student Alliance and a new proposal for a Musical Mambas Hebrew Heritage event.

The committee has an approximate budget of $6,000. The funds are given needs and request based- rather than an equal distribution given to each chosen diversity event.

“We don’t just look at race, and religious diversities. We look at gender, disability, opinions, and really anything that can make a group different,” Erickson said.

The committee is made up of students, and faculty. Committee members consist of Heather Erikson, Linda Michal, Joe Jacoby, Terry Jones, Holly Edwards, Peggy Wasserman, Evanlene MeltingTallow, Maureen Steinel and Josh Swan.

Diversity Events Funding Request’s priority deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 29.