Every student should have the opportunity to participate in the Commons Plan vision. However, existing residence halls lack the community environment envisioned by this plan. Brought together by a common desire for liberal education beyond the classroom, the students of the multicultural house will tear down existing barriers to multicultural thought both within and outside of the center. The hope for success of the Commons Plan vision requires the active participation of the students. Give us, the students, the opportunity to concentrate our energies to actualize our shared vision of excellence.
Multiculturalism is more than the physical presence of different peoples.
It is the awareness and active embrace of the many cultures throughout the world. It is the commitment to understand and respect how all cultures contribute to life. Therefore, it is not enough for us to say that each Colby student has a unique cultural heritage, and have that satisfy our demand for diversity. We need an avenue through which we can cultivate a desire to learn about different cultures outside of the classroom. If the multicultural house is to be termed separatist, then every other residential building must be so described.