Today was student appreciation day at the bookstore. What was intended to be a celebration of students was instead a demonstration of how easily and unintentionally we can be culturally insensitive by the incorporation and perpetuation of stereotypes.
As noted by one of our Latinx students, “the overall event diminished the Mexican culture to stereotypes of poncho and mustache-wearing people who own sombreros and love piñatas as demonstrated by the sombrero cookies served, ‘Mexican’ shirts and hats being sold, the giant chili pepper in front of the bookstore, and the people dressed in Ponchos and sombreros.” It did not embrace the complex and beautiful culture of Mexico.
The sad irony of this situation occurring during our Public Affairs Conference is not lost on me. As a university, we tout the three pillars of our Public Affairs Mission at every opportunity because we feel it is so important to the growth of our students, faculty and staff – cultural competence, ethical leadership and community engagement.
Today we failed our campus in all three areas. And for that, I apologize.
Living our values
We can and must do better in consistently reflecting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the institution’s pillar of cultural competency. The concerns raised regarding the cultural insensitivity displayed at the event, and the negative impact it had on our Latinx community members, will provide an important reminder of how important this is.
Dr. Siscoe has committed to providing cultural sensitivity training to not only the bookstore leadership and staff, but also to leadership and staff within Student Affairs.
I will be working with Wes Pratt, our Chief Diversity Officer, to ensure we aren’t just talking about the three pillars of our public affairs mission, but truly embracing them and living them each day. And when we fail to live up to these standards, let me know – because it’s important to me and to the university.
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