Quick. Check your pulse. Feel it?
Ask the person next to you if they feel theirs. Now look into their eyes, note the color, and look at their hair. Are they different from yours? Unless you’re their twin, chances are they are a bit different.
But, you both have a pulse. You’re living. You’re breathing the same air and perhaps even talking – in English, Spanish, French or Chinese — or smiling and laughing by now. Look around you. Are their others nearby who must have a pulse?
URI is full of this similar difference. As a strategic priority for the University, President David M. Dooley has said to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and even to visitors: “Building a community in which every member is welcomed, affirmed, supported, and valued is essential to our University’s identity and our mission. It is who we are.”
That message is loud, clear and well supported.
For example, this week, thousands of community members are attending the 16th Annual Diversity Week. Workshops, lectures, movies, musical performances and more are tied the theme “Diversity and Health Care Change: Health, Politics and Money.” With intriguing sessions like “She Serves, Too (Against All Odds),” “Out of Diversity, We Speak,” and even “Introduction to Thai Chi,” workshops are led by students, faculty and even administrators. On Thursday night, It Gets Better at URI: Coming Out for Change will be featured and more sessions continue on Friday.
In fact, It Gets Better at URI: Coming Out for Change is a student-made film created in spring of 2011, in support of students struggling with their sexual identity. The story of how the film was made and it’s continued effect on campus and beyond clearly demonstrated the meaning of URI’s commitment to its diverse community.
“I’ve advised student organizations for many years, and I’ve seen students do some amazing things,” said Human Development and Family Studies Professor Annemarie Vaccaro. “But this was the biggest thing I’ve ever seen students do.” Professor Vaccaro is also author of Safe Spaces: Making schools and communities welcoming to LGBT youth, the first book to offer a comprehensive view of the complex lives of LGBT youth of all ages.
Speaking of safe spaces, in 2013 the University will break ground on its new Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Center on Upper College Road. Now located in Adams Hall, the Center provides a range of programs and services to create and maintain an open, safe, and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community members and friends.
The president’s message also sent a clear signal to Naomi R. Thompson, J.D., who recently joined as URI’s Associate Vice President for Community, Equity and Diversity.
“During my campus visits, I was pleased to see how many people were committed to developing a welcoming and inclusive community here,” said Thompson. “The most senior leadership has demonstrated an institutional commitment to equity, diversity and social justice. They recognize how it enhances the whole educational experience for students, faculty, staff and even alumni. This kind of environment is something that I’ve been passionate about as long as I can remember.”