Diverse Identities Program

Each spring, the annual "Diverse Identities Month " offers planned programming to create awareness and educate the student body about diversity and tolerance through interactive and thought- provoking events, dialogue, and cultural performance. Its goal is to take a stand against discrimination by breaking barriers and becoming proactive about learning and appreciating racial, cultural, religious, ability, and gender differences.

Events are planned primarily through the Ortiz Programs and the Cultural Center, but students are the driving force behind much of the event selection, organization, and logistics execution.

Diverse Identities Programming 2010

This year's theme is Eligible — the theme was chosen to reflect the collective voice of empowerment. This month is dedicated to giving a voice to the silenced and allowing people to express themselves freely. Click here for more info.

Date

Time

Event

Location

March 4

 

6 p.m.

 

Transgender Life Issues with Isis King the first transgender contestant on America's Next Top Model.
She will discuss her childhood, how she decided she was a woman born into the wrong body, and how her life has changed after her surgery. Isis is open to discuss all aspects of her life. Do not miss this great opportunity to meet someone who has experienced all aspects of diversity, from her transgender transformation to her African-American heritage - and dish all the gossip on Tyra too.

Isis's presentation will include a lecture, Q&A, autograph signing, meet & greet, and model/coach photo shoot.

This program is brought to you by TOBGLAD and Poet Entertainment; sponsored by Poet Entertainment, ASWC, Gender and Women's Studies, and RHA.

Club 88

 

March 5

 

6 p.m.

 

Shabbat Dinner
The main meal of the week (and a festive one at that) in Jewish households is the Friday night dinner, Aruchat Shabbat (ah-roo-chaht shah-baht). The meal begins after sundown. Please join us at President Herzberger's home for a campuswide Shabbat.

Sign up with Ellie Maas, emaas@poets.whittier.edu.

Shabbat is brought to you by Jewish Student Union (JSU); sponsored by ASWC.

Wardman House

 

March 6


11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 

 

 

Holi: The Festival of Colors
An explosion of fun and color, this event will include a slip-n-slide, a paint pit pool, water guns & water balloons, and free Indian snacks. Get wet, go crazy, douse your friends in color, and celebrate this great Indian festival.

This program is brought to you by PARIVAR; sponsored by ASWC.

 

Upper Quad

 

March 8

 

Varies

 

Dorm storm by Black Student Union (BSU)
BSU students will storm the residence halls to raise money for Easter baskets that they will deliver to underprivileged children and low-income families.

Sponsored by BSU.

Residential Halls

 

March 15-18

 

6:00-9:30 p.m

.

Genocide Film Series
Films like The Killing Fields (Cambodian genocide) and Life is Beautiful (Holocaust) will be screened to promote genocide awareness.

This film series is brought to you by JSU; sponsored by ASWC.

 

Campus Center Courtyard

 

March 16

 

7 p.m.

 

Human Rights Lecture with Jack Healey

Jack Healey, humanitarian pioneer and former director of Amnesty International, will speak about "Human Rights Today," drawing on the Burmese and other situations around the world. Healey will talk about the continued need for—and difficulties of—a global human rights agenda. His talk will be supplemented by a short faculty-led discussion about global awareness and action.

The event, free and open to the college and public.

This lecture is sponsored by Global and Cultural Studies, Religious Studies, and Hartley House.

 

AJ Villalobos Hall

 

March 17

noon

 

 

Acts of Aloha
Acts of Aloha is more so a random act of kindness coordinated by the Hawaiian Islanders Club (HIC). These acts strive to share a bit of the Hawaiian culture and favorite pass times with our community.This month, HIC will be serving shave ice (snow cones) during lunch, come join us!

This program is sponsored by HIC.

 

Outside CI

 

March 18

 

 7:30 p.m.

Kim Jong Il's Dollar — Presentation by North Korean Defectors
Presentation by Chuck Downs, an influential author and consultant in regards to North Korea, and KJK, a fellow at the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, who was once a North Korean citizen himself. He defected with his family into South Korea and eventually found his way to Washington, DC.

This presentation is brought to you by the Asian Student Association; sponsored by ASWC and Hartley House.

Hoover 100

 

March 19

 

7:30 p.m.

 

Amigos
Culture from various Latin American countries will be showcased through music, dances, and food. This event will also be a fundraising opportunity to help those affected in the tragic Chilean earthquake.

FREE for Whittier College students, faculty, and staff; All other guests – minimum donation of $3.

Brought to you by MEChA and the Hispanic Student Association; sponsored by ASWC.

 

Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts

 

March 22

 

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

 

Cesar Chavez Day Blood Drive
Blood drive and bone marrow screening — to schedule your appointment, please contact Wendy Barrios at wbarrio1@poets.whittier.edu or go to www.RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: WCLEAP).

Co-sponsored by MEChA and the Wellness Center

 

AJ Villalobos Hall

 

March 28

TBA

 

Trip to Museum of Tolerance
The Museum of Tolerance is a great opportunity for students to learn about the Holocaust, but also about how mindsets and fear of difference still affect society today.

Brought to you by Psychology Club; sponsored by ASWC.

Sign up in LEAP.

 

 

 

March 31

 

sundown

 

Passover/Seder Dinner: The Passover Seder is a Jewish ritual feast that marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Brought to you by JSU; sponsored by ASWC

TBD