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Diversity education important for exposure to a variety of cultures by GeorgianaRushworth staff wriier
Diversity education is becoming a required piece of most U.S. colleges, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Cabrini College is part of that poll. We are living in a very diverse world and undergraduates need to be exposed to a variety of cultures. More than half of the American colleges and universities responded to the survey from The Chronicle saying that it is a requirement for undergraduate.students at their school to take a diversity course. 'The results showed that colleges do believe teaching about diversity is very important Shirley Dixon, head of diversity initiatives, would strongly agree. She said, 'The major theorists and researchers in multicultural education agreethat the movement is designed to restructure educational institutions, so all students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to function effectivelyin a culturally and ethnically diverse nation and world." 'Thereare those that do not see eye to eye with a diverse education. Some critics do not believe that this should be a significant part of the education curriculum. Bradford Wilson, executive directorof The National Association of Scholars, says, "I worry that diversity requirements are taking place of important general-education courses, like American history and Western civiliz.ation." He sees the emphasis on race, class and gender as being politically, not academically driven. Dixon does not feel this issue as being an ethnic- or genderspecific movement. "A diverse education is designed to empower all students to become knowledgeable caring and active citizens in a deeply troubled and ethnically polariz.ednation and world." Colleges believe that teaching about diversity is an important function of higher education and is important for the community. People and businesses are realizing this and say that students need diverse knowledge and skills to function effectively in diverse workplaces and diverse communities. Fifty eight percent of the institutions with diversity requirements ask students to take at least one course, but does one course make a dent in promoting a global vision? Dixon does not feel that one course will do the job. ''In
order to provide students with a multicultural diverse education it must be embedded in the curriculum." Dixon has been working hard and is looking to expand Cabrini's diversity courses. She wants students to see commonalties and differences and understand how the differences can broaden student's horizons. Cabrini not only offers diversity courses such as: Images of Women in Literature, African American Women Novelists, Asian American authors and Multiculturalism of the workplace, but also expands your knowledge of diversity out of the classroom in organizations like, the ''Latinos and Friends" club. Nelsi Vasquez,president of the "Latinos and Friends" club, feels that this organization is important on Cabrini's campus. 'They introduce everyone to the Latin culture through their events and the college community. Vasquez explains, "Everyone needs to come together with people from different backgrounds and learn from each other. My club provides a great opportunity for all to become aware of the people around us and not just the color of their skin, but different cultures." Students at Cabrini feel that it is necessaryfor diversity courses to be offered here. Amanda Campbell, a junior sociology/psychology major, feels that diversity education should not just begin in college, but should be taught by their families when children are young. 'The knowledge of a diverse education beginning in the home or school breaks down cultural barriers and gives students a chance to compete in the global market and make them an all around better person." Kendra Ryer, a junior sports science major, is taking a Seminar 300 course with Shirley Dixon called Reflections on American Education. She feels that this class deals with many diverse issues in the education system and she is now very aware of diversity. ''I think it is important for people to become familiar with their surroundings and to be respectful to everyone because you never know what nationality they could be." Cabrini's mission is to give its students a well-rounded education and allow them to function well in the diverse world. Dixon adds, '"Teachers have an obligation to create the best possible educational environment for the young adults whose lives arelikely to be significantlychanged during their years on our campus."
Residents of House Six lose all privileges .by___Renee Tomcanin__________
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assistant news editor
The actions of several students resulted in the residents of House Six having visitation and alcohol privileges suspended until January 16, 2001. Reactions on this ban are mixed. The decision to prohibit visitors and alcohol in the house was the result of several incidents which resulted in structural damage, the discharging of fire extinguishers and a stain in the basement, according to a letter sent to residents. Resident Assistant Joe Johnson, a senior, also mentioned that a lot of vandalism and holes in the walls added to the decision. "The main purpose of the restrictions is to get the people responsible for the damages to admit to it or people who know who did it to come forward," Johnson said. Contractors have been contacted to fix the holes, which will cost a lot of money. Unless someone is brought forward, everyone will be fined. Johnson believes that the administration is justified in their decision. He reports that nothing has happened since the ban on visitation and alcohol. "Whenever something gets this out of hand, something needs to be done," he said. Reactions from House Six residents have been mixed. One resident said that he could see the administration's reasoning for the suspension, but he did not agree with it. Sean Tinney, a sophomore, does not agree at all with the decision. He thinks it is unfair that fue students are being punished for something they did not do. Tinney also mentioned that he has never heard of any other school imposing such a punishment. He and his friends were involved in a similar incident last year at Villanova and no such action was taken. "This [Cabrini] is not a college," he said. "It's a boarding school."
'Nationwide problem' sees flu vaccines hard to find by Tracy Timson assistant copy editor
The season is almost here. Not just winter, but- the flu· season. Coughing, sneezing, muscle aches. Theseare all symptoms of what is known as the flu. . The flu season lasts from December to February ,,vi.th usually only a few cases befo're this time period. When asked if there have been many cases of the flu diagnosed on campus this year Sue Fitzgerald stated, "No, I haven't seen any real flu this year.''
Cabrini usually would provide 70 given to students. These were the to 80 flu shots during the flu sea- students who went to take advantage of this opportunity for the son. This year the flu vaccine is vaccine. Each year the shot covers difhard to find, .~specially for pri- • According to vate physicians and smaller med- ferent strains. CDC.com, this year's covered ical facilities including Cabrini's own Rooymans Center. Fitzger- strains are what is known as New ald said, this problem is a "na- Caledonis, Panama and Yationwide" problem; it is not just manashi. These are "used bearound our area. If you were one cause of their growth properties of the lucky ones, a company and because they are representacalled Vaccess, was on campus tive of currently circulating A on Tuesday, Oct. 10. While they and B viruses." The reason this vaccine is less brought 260 doses of the vaccine to Cabrini, only 121 doses were prevalent this year is because I
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Panama is a less stable strain, making it harder to manufacturer. According to Sue Fitzgerald, ''This forced the FDA to only grant two·. manufacturers viith permission to produce the vaccine." Usually for a vaccine like this there are four manufacturers resulting in a huge difference in' availability for this year compared to past years. Fitzgerald's advice for whether the vaccine was worth it was that "if you see a place offering it, absolutely go." Take advantage of places offering the I
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vaccine, even if it is not your family doctor due to this year's shortage. Without the vaccination there are things the campus community can do to prevent the flu. Remember to always wash your hands. "Your skin is the first offense against infection," Fitzgerald said. Other ways to prevent the flu is to eat right and get enough rest. Make sure that you are taking proper care of yourself and that is the first step you can take against staying away from the ... , ...l.
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