HSU recently joined the “We’re a culture, not a costume” campaign, which encourages students nationwide to consider the negative effects of costumes that depict cultural stereotypes.
“We’re asking students to consider the possible negative effects of dressing in costumes associated with particular cultures and ethnicities,” said Mona Mazzotti, Outreach Coordinator for HSU’s Multicultural Center. “It can be as simple as taking a moment to reflect on how and why a certain costume could offend another student who identifies with that culture or ethnicity.”
The campaign kicks-off with an information session hosted by Sociology Professor and Bias Response Coordinator Jennifer Eichstedt Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. exploring ways to identify and respond to bias. There will be tabling on the UC Quad Wednesday and Thursday and a campus discussion Friday, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. in Jolly Giant Commons. HSU Athletics also created posters with student athletes from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The images are designed to raise awareness about cultural diversity on campus.
The campaign is part of a nationwide effort started at the University of Ohio in 2011 that has since spread to universities around the country.
In a message to the campus community earlier this year, HSU President Lisa Rossbacher praised the university for its commitment to diversity and encouraged students to consider the negative effects of culturally-themed Halloween costumes.
“HSU is well situated to facilitate a learning environment that allows all members of our campus community to engage in a process of lifelong learning around issues of diversity and inclusiveness,” Rossbacher wrote in a campus-wide message. “Our efforts to build cultural awareness and sensitivity must be an on-going part of the education that we provide as part of our fundamental mission.”
HSU has a long-standing commitment to Diversity & Inclusion. In the last decade alone, diversity has grown from 13 to 31 percent.
For the full Flickr photo album, visit HSU’s Flickr page.