Diversity at Auburn: United for a Multicultural Campus
Auburn and diversity: An “All In” Family As cited on the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs website, “Diversity at Auburn University encompasses the whole of human experience and includes such human qualities as race, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, nationality, age, religion, sexual orientation, economic status, and veteran status. These and other socially and historically important attributes reflect the complexity of our increasingly diverse student body, local community, and national population. Auburn University recognizes and values the considerable educational benefits emanating from diversity as we prepare our students for life and leadership in a multicultural world. Students who interact with and learn about people from a variety of backgrounds are more apt to understand, appreciate, and excel in the community they inhabit. In this context, diversity is aligned with Auburn University’s land grant mission of providing its students with a superior education in service to the needs of Alabama, the nation, and the world.” Additionally, one of Auburn’s main diversity goals is to “Create, promote,
An International guide for Auburn Students
and encourage a supportive and friendly campus environment that is welcoming for, and attractive to people of all races, ethnicity, nationalities, religions, gender, sexual orientation, and those with disabilities.” We truly value diversity and want EVERYONE within our Auburn family to know how valued they are! At Student Counseling Services (SCS) we know how important our intersecting identities are. We strive to make SCS a safe environment for all students from the waiting room, to individual sessions and group, as well as with outreaches. Our hope with this brochure is three-fold: 1. Emphasize that diversity is not about political correctness but about truly getting to know and interact in the wonderfully diverse world in which we live. 2. Focus on ensuring Auburn is a culturally rich environment in which people with different identities, backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences interweave and enhance one another’s lives. 3. Provide information about opportunities for diverse interactions.
Thought-Provoking Reminders We, as people, all want, on one. Ask yourself, what are you doing to end discrimination (e.g., racism, sexism, abelism, heterosexism) on a daily basis by your thoughts, actions, and words. “For effective communication to take place, it must be with the recognition that each of us holds a part of the truth. Hearing another’s truth is an essential part of the wholeness of a healthy relationship.” (Lee Mun Wah) Be open to hearing people’s experiences and views, even if they are different than yours. Adhere to the adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Get to know the real person rather than make assumptions! Understand that some experiences or conversations may be difficult. It’s not always about being comfortable but about exploring and standing up for what is right. “What will be remembered is not the words of our enemies, but the silences of our friends.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
“So often we rely on what others or the media have told us about another ethnic group or culture. The only way we will ever have an accurate understanding is to get to know each other by entering into relationships.” (Lee Mun Wah)
Work to view the world through various eyes, not just your own, to gain a fuller
about exploring and standing up for what is right.
Understand that some experiences or conversations may be difficult. It’s not always about being comfortable but
Opportunities for Interactions Everyday conversations: talk with someone you don’t yet know
Thought provoking quotes from Lee Mun Wah
Events hosted by Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
“So often, we turn away when we don’t
Auburn American Indian Association
know what to do or what to say. But...
Multicultural Center (located in 1330 AUSC) and events hosted by Multicultural Center
something doesn’t go away because we don’t talk about it. Something painful doesn’t go
Auburn Asian Association
away because we turn away from it. If we are
National Pan Hellenic Council Alternative Student Breaks
willing to hear the truth and ask questions
International Student Organization
then we invite the possibilities for an
Study Abroad
authentic and heartfelt conversation about
Black Student Union
racism and other oppressive issues.”
Global Service Initiative Women’s Resource Center
“The real test of any community that desires
AU-NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People)
multiculturalism is whether or not they will
Indian Students Association
allow that diversity into their workplaces,
Black Graduate and Professional Student Association
into their churches and places of worship,
Auburn Gay Straight Alliance
and into their friendships. You see, true
Diversity and Tolerance Organization Korean Student Association
diversity is not a shiny brochure or an
Ladies Society for Collegiate Success
occasional celebration - it is and has always
SCS groups such as Understanding Self and Others (open to all students) or Pride (for LGBTQQ students)
been, our willingness to live it, practice it, and honor it in all aspects of our lives.”
Note: list not exhaustive of all opportunities possible.
Suite 2086 • AU Medical Center • 400 Lem Morrison Dr. • Auburn, AL 36849
P/ 334.844.5123
E/ scsinfo@auburn.edu
www.auburn.edu/scs Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution employer.