Speaking of Diversity Noted lecturers offer perspectives on cultural differences
Recent speakers on campus read like a who’s who of diversity experts. Ronald Takaki, Spike Lee, Forest Whitaker, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lani Guinier and UT Arlington’s own Roland Fryer. “Our commitment to fostering an educational environment that values different perspectives is clearly evidenced by our presentation of nationally known speakers addressing a wide range of issues related to diversity,” President James D. Spaniolo says. “We will continue to embrace our differences by bringing in such notable lecturers.” One of the world’s foremost ethnic studies scholars, Dr. Takaki, traced the making of multicultural America to the 1800s during his lecture as part of the Maverick Speakers Series. The grandson of immigrant Japanese plantation workers, he told the audience that the diversity of 19th-century America is what built the modern economy we enjoy today. During Diversity Week, Guinier, the first African-American woman appointed to a tenured professorship at Harvard Law School, spoke about connecting race, class and gender as part of the Diversity Lecture Series and Women’s History Month. A 1998 magna cum laude graduate of UT Arlington, Dr. Fryer’s groundbreaking research on racial inequality has thrust him into the national spotlight. He tackles headon the influences that contribute to America’s black-white economic and social divide. “I’ll put anything on the table—discrimination, racism, black behavior, genetics, everything—and come at it scientifically with data,” he says. “If racism is to blame, then it will still be on the table when we’re done analyzing it. If it’s not, it won’t.”
University of California-Berkeley Professor Ronald Takaki is one of the world’s leading ethnic studies scholars.
A Window to the World
Sights and Sounds of Hispanic Heritage
Women of Influence
The cultures and customs of more than 2,500 international students from 90 countries come to life during International Week. A 31-year tradition, this popular event features a parade, talent show, food fair and fashion show.
Hispanic Heritage Month promotes awareness and preservation of the Hispanic culture. Activities include Semana de Cultura (Week of Culture), Loteria Night, Diez y Seis events, educational workshops, music and Fiesta en el Patio.
Women’s History Month examines the significant contributions of women who have blazed historical trails and those who make an impact today. The event features lectures from prominent role models such as best-selling author and sociologist Barbara Ehrenreich (above).
The Power of Diversity
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