Moving into the World House, Campus Diversity

Dr. Hernandez of Goshen CollegeIn her October 28 Diversity Lecture Series address, guest speaker Dr. Rebecca Hernandez of Goshen College said that in order for colleges to truly become more diverse, they need to push beyond hospitality and the “host-guest” relationship with students and embrace a new metaphor, that of an intercultural “world house.”

Hernandez, the associate dean for intercultural development and educational partnerships at Goshen, emphasized the diversity of God’s family and the “many rooms” that exist in the Father’s house.

She said that if colleges invite diversity but students don’t accept the invitation then institutional change needs to happen. Such changes may include tying a vision of diversity to the college’s mission, focusing on hiring, and recognizing the critical roles of leaders who can serve as change agents, although encouraging diversity is the ongoing work of the entire community.

 

The next lecture

The final lecture this year will be held on Monday, November 18, at 10 a.m. in the Grand Lobby. The College will welcome Dr. Terry Lindsay as he speaks about Diversity on Campus.

The Diversity Lecture Series is open to the public and sponsored by Trinity’s Office of Ethnic Diversity and Multicultural Programs.