Some react to these types of behavior with indifference. Many more react with timidity and a fear that they would be the only ones to object. There are many, many individuals on our campus who share the feeling that offensive, disrespectful and hurtful behaviors do not belong on our campus. This year, many of our students, faculty and staff have spent much time thinking, talking, formulating actions and acting to create a stronger, safer and more respectful campus environment. Everyone has the opportunity to participate in activities which show our support for our campus colleagues of all races and perspectives.
Spring is a positive time to take an action that can make a difference.
April offers a series of events sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center. The Boulder Faculty Assembly is sponsoring discussions of human rights in the apparel industry. Holocaust Awareness Week, the Conference on World Affairs, the Asian Human Rights Conference, Native American Awareness Week, Semana de la Chicana and Cinco de Mayo, in addition to various academic presentations and conferences, are activities on campus that can serve as opportunities for supporting diverse groups in our campus community. Living in a learning community such as ours brings special privileges as well as particular responsibilities. Being able to take risks in learning new information and new ways of thinking requires an environment that supports innovation and risk-taking.