Multicultural Education Week returns Feb. 29 to March 4

After three successful implementations, Multicultural Education Week is back. Scheduled for Feb. 29 to March 4, the Office of Multicultural Programs’ fourth annual Multicultural Education Week celebrates the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

Opening Speaker: Lee Mun Wah

Cultural competency workshop for student leaders: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, Ochre Court state dining room
Cultural competency workshop for faculty and staff: 1:30-5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, Ochre Court state dining room
Keynote address: “What Stands Between Us,” 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, Bazarsky Lecture Hall
Film screening: “If These Halls Could Talk,” 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29, Bazarsky Lecture Hall

Wah is an internationally renowned Chinese American filmmaker, author, poet, Asian folkteller, educator, community therapist and master diversity trainer. He provides educational tools and workshops on issues pertaining to cross-cultural communication, mindful facilitation and conflict mediation techniques. Thousands of people and organizations, including government and social service agencies, corporations and educational institutions, have partnered with his Stirfry Seminars and Consulting on their diversity initiatives.

Black Lives Matter Panel Discussion

7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, Bazarsky Lecture Hall

The discussion will create a dialogue between members of the Salve Regina community and the chosen panelists. It will address tensions between members of the African American community and the police community. The goal is to sort through the various discourses in the media in order to determine the true nature of the movement and its future.

Student Showcase

8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, O’Hare Academic Center second floor

These student presentations will tackle issues of oppression by exploring social injustice, diversity and service. Learn more about the Nicaragua service trip, female empowerment, overcoming obstacles and more.

Featured Speaker: Maura Cullen

Cultural competency workshop for student leaders: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, Ochre Court library
Cultural competency workshop for faculty and staff: 1:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, Ochre Court library
Keynote address: “35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say,” 7 p.m., Bazarsky Lecture Hall

Have you ever been afraid of saying the wrong thing, so instead said nothing at all? We are caught in times of political correctness, where “saying” the right things are worlds away from “doing” the right things. Considered one of the most inclusive sessions on diversity, these honest and engaging programs get to the core of the problem: our fear of being judged and misunderstood. These workshops will be helpful for all who struggle with the concept of diversity and its impact.

Safe Space and Ally Certification

1-3:30 p.m. and 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, Ochre Court library

What does it take to create a safe space? The goal is to identify and mobilize a network of people who are empathetic and knowledgeable about the LGBTQ community and related topics in order to create a more inclusive community at Salve Regina, reduce discrimination and embrace diversity.

Panel Discussion: “An Honest Dialogue on Diversity”

7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, Bazarsky Lecture Hall

Panel speakers from many different backgrounds will present their personal experiences and opinions on both diversity and the current state of social justice around the world. The presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer session, which will allow audience members to share their own experiences.

Multicultural Festival

8 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 4, Ochre Court

The Multicultural Festival will feature cultural exploration and tips from student experts. View the extraordinarily diverse garments that make our world so colorful and bright during a fashion show. Taste magnificent cuisine from every corner of the globe. See the dances that have been passed from generation to generation. Let us come together for a night of warmth, celebration and acceptance.

For more information on Multicultural Education Week activities, email sami.nassim@salve.edu. Multicultural Education Week is co-sponsored by Campus Activities Board, Female Empowerment Organization, Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, Multicultural Student Organization, Office of the Provost, Office of Residence Life, Office of Student Activities, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Pell Center and Student Government Association.