DePaul Hosts Dignity Week to Promote Diversity
April 2, 2007
The Human Dignity Committee hosted its first ever “Dignity Week” in April, which featured a variety of events centered on diversity and dignity.
“Dignity Week is a grassroots attempt to foster multiculturalism and freedom of expression within the DePaul community,” explains Christopher Sowa, residence director and chair of the HDC’s student engagement subcommittee, which spearheaded plans for the week. “Many offices have been fostering initiatives such as sponsoring special events, but I think it’s important that we coordinate that effort university-wide.”
The week began with a kick-off lecture featuring keynote speaker Rev. George Clements, who has dedicated his life to building successful coalitions that support economic and social justice, and is known for his forthright activism.
“Fr. Clements is a Catholic priest, and as we strive to embrace our Catholic identity within the institution, bringing forth an ordained priest who also has some arguably radical views is a great way to bring dialogue to the notion of DePaul’s identity as being Catholic, urban and Vincentian,” says Sowa.
Timothy Spraggins, associate vice president for Diversity Education and co-chair of the HDC, says the weeklong celebration is an important milestone for the HDC. “Dignity Week represents the HDC’s ‘coming of age.’ It is one tangible example of how this committee plans to function on this campus, challenging everyone to proactively address issues of climate, inclusion, tolerance and collaboration.”
For example, a “Stop the Hate” workshop on April 11 offered experiential exercises to help participants understand the underpinnings of hate- and bias-related crimes. “The Hunger Banquet” dealt with issues of hunger and food distribution in the world today.
“One beautiful aspect of Dignity Week is that we will have a series of events sponsored by and for students and a series of events sponsored by staff and faculty, and all will unfold within the context of campus climate, dignity and diversity,” says Spraggins.
