Editorial: USD continues to make strides in education, inclusion

Pride, tolerance and acceptance are part of USD’s commitment to inclusive excellence. More importantly, these traits are embodied by the Center for Diversity & Community and the students involved in it.

Since opening in November 2014, the CDC has undoubtedly gained more student participation.

Last weekend, more than 50 students from many backgrounds attended the fifth annual Multicultural Leadership Institute (MLI). Students participated in open dialogue, shared stories and gained leadership skills.

This is just one example of how USD’s diversity & inclusiveness strategic plan becomes truer and truer each year.

This retreat allowed students to come together and appreciate each other despite differences in religion, sexual orientation, race, economic status and more. Students heard the stories of their peers and embraced the fact that USD values diversity and inclusion.

As pointed out in a blog from Great Value College, diverse college campuses have many advantages. Being exposed to, and empathizing with, people from many backgrounds will only benefit students as they get ready to graduate into a diverse world.

“It’s okay to have different opinions, but it’s important to respect everybody and treat everybody the same,” said Sophia Lima, a sophomore accounting major, on Sunday.

The CDC takes this seriously and makes sure its programs are well put together and available to everyone.   

Besides having students participate in a free retreat like the MLI, the CDC frequently hosts events that allow students and the USD community to learn about other cultures. These events gain more involvement each year.

For example, the Eid al-Adha dinner last year had such an increase in interest that it was moved from the CDC to the Muenster University Center Ballroom this year to accommodate more attendees. Other popular events include the Spectrum Drag Show, African Night, Festival of Nations and the Wacipi, among other things.

This demonstrates that students and the USD community care about getting involved and exploring different cultures. They feel connected and are willing to learn new things.

During a group reflection on the last day of the MLI, Amanda Quenemoen, an adult and higher education graduate student, said this learning and storytelling shouldn’t stop once the retreat ended.

CDC events like the Multicultural Leadership Institute help eliminate prejudices and discrimination, and allow students of all backgrounds to showcase that they’re proud of their cultures.

USD students have many ways to learn and discover other cultures, and that’s something not many universities, especially those in the Midwest, can say.

The CDC isn’t only an outlet to connect and learn about other cultures, but it’s a home away from home for many students. It’s a place where students feel they can be themselves while appreciating the different cultures around them.

It’s important that USD embraces the fact that there are so many different people on campus. While there’s still a long way to go, USD and the CDC are making strides toward making diversity and inclusion an important focus on campus.

USD is a university that prioritizes diversity and inclusion, and as the CDC approaches its third anniversary, this is only going to get better.