Whether you want to participate in a multicultural student organization, attend a cultural event or challenge yourself through exploring your social identities the Office of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has a variety of different services to support you.
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University is committed to creating a campus culture that respects and values diversity while providing a variety of different opportunities to celebrate differences in an inclusive community.
Campus Initiatives
Safe Zone Certificate
The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University Office of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ offers the Safe Zone program to assist individuals who want to be allies or simply learn more about the LGBTQA community. Participants who take the Safe Zone training can become officially recognized allies by pledging to non-judgmentally listen to LGBTQQIAPN students, faculty, and staff.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the purpose of Safe Zone and Ally Training
- How we can best utilize Safe Zone training in our roles
- Develop a working knowledge of LGBTQQIAPN terminology
- The importance of language
- Key concepts
- Define multiple ways to exhibit and/or demonstrate ally behavior
- What is the best way to support the LGBTQQIAPN community at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ?
- What has worked for you?
- Identify areas of growth as an ally
Stop in our office for more information!
Conversation on RACE
Are you interested in exploring culture, race, or wrestling with privilege and power? For the past several years, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University, in conjunction with Richland Community College, Decatur Public School District 61, and Caring Black Men has provided a two-part series addressing race relations in the Decatur community. These events take place in the spring semester and are free and open to the public.
Civic Discourse Week
Civic discourse helps demonstrate our shared responsibility to one another, our commitment to our systems and our willingness to choose to elevate the conversation. Civic Discourse Week provides something for everyone, from nationally recognized authors and speakers, to community fairs and community discussions.
Social & Co-Curricular Interaction
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University is committed to creating a campus culture that respects and values diversity while providing a variety of different opportunities to celebrate differences in an inclusive community. Whether you want to participate in a multicultural student organization, attend a cultural event, or challenge yourself through exploring your social identities the Office of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ provides a variety of programs and student organizations in order to celebrate differences while providing a learning environment to the larger population.
Cultural, Awareness, Historical & Heritage Programming
(September 15th-October 15th)
This month was created to recognize the contributions of the Hispanic and Latino Americans. Furthermore, this is the time to learn more about the history and legacy within the Hispanic and Latino community. For more information please click .
International Month (September 15th - October 15th)
This month was created to recognize and highlight the diverse global influences within our community, and celebrate our international students and opportunities.
National Coming Out Day (October 11th)
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University will provides programs to celebrate National Coming Out Day. National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to celebrate coming out and raise awareness of the LGBTQ community. The date October 11th was chosen because of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987. For more information please go to the Human Rights Campaign.
Diwali (fall)
Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu Festival of Lights celebration that is celebrated in the autumn. It spiritually signifies the celebration of light over darkness. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has hosted a Diwali event with food, dancing, music, and a many candles and sparklers.
Asian Pacific Islander Month (Celebrated Nationally in May, celebrated at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ in October)
This month was developed to honor and celebrate the Asican Pacific Islander culture and influences in our nation.
Native American Heritage Month (November)
During the month November we will be celebrating Native Heritage Month. This is a month designated to acknowledge and celebrate what the first Americans made to our society. In August 1990 George Bush declared the month of November as Native American Heritage Month. For more information please click here.
Winter Celebrations around the world (December)
In early December, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ takes an evening to honor and highlight all of the various celebrations that happen globally during the winter months. We invite various groups and representatives to come in and help highlight events like Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Advent, The India Kite Festival, Chinese New Year, and Hanukah. Kwanzaa is a celebration first honored in 1966-1967 as the first recognized specifically African American holiday.
MLK Vigil (January)
The Office of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ provides a time to reflect on the leadership and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty, staff, and students talk about the impact that Martin Luther King Jr. made on society as well as individually.
(February)
In 1976 Black History Week transitioned into Black History Month and was recognized by the US Government. Since 1926, the United States of America has recognized and celebrated the achievements of African Americans. The month of February was determined as the month because it marked the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. For more information please click .
(March)
In 1911, United States of America began celebrating woman with International Women's Day. The celebration evolved into a full month in 1987. During Women's History Month the focus is to celebrate women leadership and also provide awareness of woman issues. For more information please click .
Conversation on Race (April)
For the past several years, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ University, in conjunction with Richland Community College and Decatur Public School District 61, has provided a two-part series addressing race relations in the Decatur community. These events take place in the spring semester and are free and open to the public.
Dialogue Series
This series provides participants and opportunity to explore different multicultural topics. Topics have ranged from male engagement to exploring poverty in the community.
Tunnel of Oppression
The Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive program designed to illuminate the issues of oppression that have historically occurred and that still take place in today's society. Each group is led by their student tour guide through a series of active and passive scenarios in which they are exposed to various types of oppressive behaviors and experiences. Potential issues addressed include inequality, body image, disability, domestic violence, religion, and other diverse issues.