Front Page
News
Opinion
A & E
Features
Sports
Back Page
Archive
Staff
Contact
From Timna Valore-Schulze: I was greatly disturbed by the "Dear Editor" printed on the October 4th edition of The Ebbtide. The criticisms of the purpose and function of the Multicultural/Diversity Education Center were completely unfounded. Like the writer of the article, I am also considered "white", but unlike the writer of the article, I have regularly used the MCDEC for the past two years as a resource for information on other cultures, to meet new students in an open and comfortable environment, to join club meetings, or to finish typing up homework for my classes. Many other "white" and minority Americans would gain so much understanding and appreciation if they were to enter the Multicultural/Diversity Education Center and learn about issues that aren't shown on the 5 o'clock news. Contrary to the October 4th article, we are not past the "discriminatory times of the early half of the 20th century". Racism, homophobia, sexism, culturalism, and all of the other "-isms" are alive and threatening, especially now. The MCDEC provides a place where all people can feel comfortable, where we can expose the issues all cultures are facing (even those of "white" Americans), and where we can embrace diversity instead of squeezing it into "oneness".
Since then, the student body voted to install 162 computers across the campus for the use of all students, two of which were placed in the MCEDC. No other student fees have been used to support the Multicultural/ Diversity Education Center since. I am surprised that a student would protest the support of other S.C.C. students, but I think the article from October 4th has helped us to better understand some of the issues and misunderstandings on campus, and has provided a venue to discuss and explain the value of the Multicultural/Diversity Education Center. From Sarah Hollingsworth: I recently read a letter sent to the Ebbtide by an anonymous reader who apparently has some issues regarding the Multicultural Center. This student said that there is too much money being spent on it. This student further went on to say "This facility perpetuates victimization of minorities" and also "this campus need not concern itself with the sensitivities of the seventies." This person also mentions that because he or she is perceived as white, the Multicultural/Diversity Education Center is not a welcoming place. I could not disagree more. The Multicultural Center has always welcomed me and I'm Caucasian. It has always been a comfortable and friendly place to do homework. I also hardly believe that this student knows for sure that all of the money is being spent on the Multicultural Center because I can guarantee it is not true. On a last note, the Multicultural/Diversity Center does not perpetuate victimization in any way. This is a facility that is open to everyone, you included! From AnneMarie Harvey: In responce to the letter from anonymous regarding the Multicultural Center and what the writer perceives as lack of inclusion, I would like to point out that the name is Multicultural. All cultures are welcome to participate in the services offered within the Multicultural/Diversity Center. Please note that the center's name is not Minority Center, it is opened to students of any ethnicity. Since you mentioned that you are seen as white based on appearance, and you feel that this center is not available to you or anyone that is white, I would like to add that the center here at Shoreline is designed to accommodate each and every student, no matter what they are. The fact that you wrote the letter indicates that you do not understand the need for the Multicultural Center. Perhaps, since you are welcome to participate in all of the services at the center, you might participate, and thus learn something that could help answer your question. © 2002 Shoreline Community College™ |
