An important and exciting aspect of coming to college is the opportunity to meet people whose background and lifestyle may be very different from yours. Here at Iona College we view differences and diversity as valuable resources. At the same time, we recognize that meeting people who are different from you may create some discomfort or anxiety. In the hope that you will want to overcome your discomfort and get to know and appreciate people from different cultures, we offer the following points and suggestions:

*America has always been diverse; it is our very diversity that makes us so strong, vibrant, and dynamic as a country.

*Diversity enriches our lives and our environment. Wouldn't life be boring if everyone were exactly like you?

*We all have biases and stereotypes in our heads. Recognize what yours are and be willing to work on them.

*Don't judge people by stereotypes. We're all much more complex than that.

*Walk in that different person's shoes. It's really hard when you are not a part of the majority.

*Don't tell jokes or use labels that put down people who are different from you. Words can really hurt.

*Don't tolerate violence, cruelty, or insensitivity perpetrated by others towards people who are different from you. Speak up when others are being insensitive.

*Make a point of meeting and exchanging ideas with someone who is different from you racially, ethnically, or in other significant ways.

*Attend an event at the College offered by a group that is different from you. Isn't expanding your horizons one of the reasons you're in college?

*Understand that every culture has its own style - of dressing, of music, of talking, and interacting - and that no style is the correct one.

*Be open and respectful towards people who are different from you. It's up to all of us to build a better, more peaceful world.

Resources:

• Asian American Students' Club - contact the Office of Student Development for information (633-2360)


• Council of Multicultural Leaders (CML), located in the LaPenta Student Union - contact the Office of Student Development (633-2360)


• Gaelic Society - contact the Office of Student Development for information (633-2360)


• Gay Straight Student Alliance - contact IonaGSA@iona.edu or the Office of Student Development for information (633-2360)


• HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Latin Awareness) - contact the Office of Student Development (633-2360)


• Italian Society - contact Office of Student Development for information (633-2360)


• Jewish Student Association - open to all students at Iona College - contact the Office of Student Development for information (633-2360)


• Respect Campaign is an initiative that was created entirely by students for students to promote respect for the diversity of all people, for all members of our community, for our environment, and for our neighbors. As part of this initiative, students encourage peers to be respectful at all campus events, including in their classes, and to engage in activities that promote equality among all people, that preserve the environment, and that make a positive difference in our surrounding community. To become involved contact the Office of Student Development (633-2360)


• SOCA, Students of Caribbean Ancestry contact the Office of Student Development (633-2360)


• Iona College Diversity Collaborative is comprised of student affairs professionals who are committed to supporting and enhancing a welcoming, safe and vibrant diversity-positive campus environment for all students at Iona College. Throughout the year, the Diversity Committee creates, sponsors and supports programs for all members of the community that encourage dialogue among student cohorts with regard to all aspects of diversity, including race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age and disability. Students are welcome to join the Diversity Committee. To learn more about the work of the Committee and/or to join, please contact Dr. Ingrid Grieger, Chair, 633-2038