Abel Gonzalez "Breaking the Cycle'

American Nina Warrior Abel Gonzalez came to Tarleton State University to share his story of overcoming obstacles in life. He spoke about his experiences in a negative environment (homelessness, abandonment, racism, and negative cultural expectations) and using his Warrior mentality to overcoming those obstacles. He even asked the audience “how fit are you?” and tested some of the attendee’s strength and coordination. 

For more information about Abel Gonzalez “Breaking the Cycle” you may contact the Office of Diversity at diversity@tarleton.edu

World AIDS Awareness Day

In commemoration to AIDS Awareness Month and World AIDS Day, the ODI staff held an informational table outside the TSU Dining Hall. Students who approached the table were informed on the different stigma of the AIDS virus and how those stigmas affect the AIDS infected population. ODI along with the Student Social Work Association also presented Positive Voices, a panel of people living with HIV who gave an insightful perspective of living with the virus. 

For more information on World AIDS Awareness Day, you may contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@tarleton.edu

Muslim-Christian Intersectionality

Student were invited to join an open discussion about intersectionality between the Muslim and Christian faiths. Three speakers, Reverand Shannon C. Grubbs, Dr. Matthew Hallgard, and Mustafaa Carroll each took turns voicing their opinions and perspectives on the similarities and differences of the two religions. Students were able to voice their opinions as well; it was a great opportunity to have open discussion with people of different walks of life. 

For more information about the Muslim-Christian Intersectionality discussion, you may contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@tarleton.edu

Hispanic Heritage Street Dance 2016

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted the annual Hispanic Heritage Street Dance in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. This event is full of music, food, games, and fun while learning about the diversity of Hispanic culture. Students were able to try different dishes such as arroz con leche, peach empanadas, and gallo pinto. These dishes showed the sweet and savory side of the culinary culture in many Latin American countries. Those who attended also had the opportunity to enjoy different activities to gain more knowledge about the Hispanic culture, from a matching game of the Latin-American flags to playing a trivia game on some influential Hispanic celebrities. In its entirety, the Hispanic Heritage Street Dance was full of music, fun, and most importantly, diversity! 

For more information about the Hispanic Heritage Street Dance, you may contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at @tarleton.edu.

Diversity Appreciation Lunch

On Wednesday, April 27^th, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted its annual Diversity Appreciation Lunch. This event was held to honor the departments, organizations, and individuals who have supported the Office of Diversity and Inclusion throughout the 2015-2016 school year. Students were given the opportunity to reflect on the events and programming conducted throughout the year with pictures and conversations.

During this lunch, the graduating members of the BOLD and MENtal Freedom program were honored with a diversity stole. These members included Alejandra Ramirez, Ashley Woodard, Rosalia Leon, Valmy McKenney, Brian Ngwa, and Ashton Manley.

In addition, the new executive board members of MENtal Freedom were announced. These members included Traivohn Jefferson, Corey Brown, Jeremiah Fontenot, and Andre McQuitty.

For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@tarleton.edu.

No H8 In My School

During the week of April 11-14th, The Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosted a No H8 In My School initiative to promote the awareness and exclusion of bullying and discrimination in the school system. For this four-day event, students had the opportunity to have their face painted and photo taken with the No H8 In my School logo. Students were encouraged to wear this logo during the day to encourage conversations.

For more information, contact The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@tarleton.edu.

Dr. Reverend Cindi Love

On Wednesday, April 13^th, The Office of Diversity and Inclusion brought Dr. Reverend Cindi Love to campus to present on her book, “Would Jesus Discriminate?”.

Reverend Dr. Cindi Love has served as a speaker, author, ordained minister, and businesswoman.

Rev. Dr. Love is the author of “Would Jesus Discriminate? The 21st Century Question.” In this book, Rev. Dr.  Love challenges churches to reflect on their roles in the discrimination against those in the LGBTQ+ community. 

Attendees learned the significance individuals play in discrimination. One’s first experience with discrimination happens typically between the ages of four and nine. These experiences last with individuals into adulthood. In this presentation, Rev. Dr. Cindi Love spoke to the audience about her own personal hardships with discrimination and invited members to share their own experiences. Rev. Dr. Love invited students to compare their experiences to what they believe about religion. 

Rev. Dr. Love’s discovered that if an individual’s first experiences of discrimination were linked to someone of the church, an individual would be more likely to link this behavior to God and Christianity as a whole.

For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@tarleton.edu.