Public Invited to Diversity Circles on January 16 for MLK Day

by Adam Frazier
January 16, 2012

Members of the public are invited to join students, faculty, and staff at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) on Monday, January 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for discussions about diversity issues and steps that can be taken to further improve the welcoming nature of our community.

According to Dr. Marwan Wafa, vice chancellor and dean of IUPUC, the university is sponsoring the discussions as part of the city’s celebration and acknowledgement of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

IUPUC will employ “diversity circles” as a model to facilitate dialogue during the public event. The circles are intended to help participants identify areas of mutual agreement and develop shared understandings.

“Diversity circles are very participatory small-group discussions among those of all ages and backgrounds,” explained Wafa. “They are simple but effective tools for generating conversations about overcoming stereotypes, intolerance, racism, and prejudice as well as for building stronger, more inclusive communities.”

Sponsored by IUPUC’s Diversity Council, the inaugural event will begin with a short welcome from Wafa in the Columbus Learning Center Lecture Hall.  The audience will then break into small groups or circles comprised of eight individuals and a facilitator.

According to Sahar Al-Masri, a local expert on diversity circles, “Rather than advocate for a particular point of view, the goal is for circle members to consider multiple viewpoints and many individual perspectives. Facilitators follow basic ground rules designed to encourage respectful, productive dialogues based on individual experience. The discussions do not generate consensus but uncover areas of mutual agreement or common concern.”

The event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. The Columbus Learning Center is located at 4555 Central Avenue. Ample parking is available.

RSVPs are encouraged to obtain an accurate count of participants for lunch. To register or obtain more information, please contact Sandra Miles at 812.314.8539 or smiles@iupuc.edu.