CSUN Diversity Event Is a Day of Dialogue

About 30 students, faculty and community members Wednesday attended Cal State Northridge’s fourth “Day of Dialogue,” an event focusing on diversity and cross-cultural relations.

Ronald Kopita, vice president of student affairs, cited the same-day scheduling of other popular events on campus as the reason for the small turnout.

Sponsored by CSUN’s Project Community, past events have drawn between 100 and 120 students, coordinator Kristin Morgan said. Days of Dialogue has been scheduled every semester since fall 1996.

Those who participated in the event shared their experiences on race and race relations through two hours of discussion under the supervision of facilitators.

“I came because I’m very sure of my roots and I don’t have problems talking about racism,” said Carmen Marcus, a Latino student from College of the Canyons.

In his opening remarks, Kopita said such gatherings and discussions help people gain insight into other cultures.

“I believe that knowledge is eventually what helps people understand and live together in harmony,” Kopita said. “Through knowledge, we can celebrate the differences that people bring to any given community.”

The event was funded through a $100,000 grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to further the work of Project Community, Morgan said. The program is aimed at fostering understanding among the diverse ethnic groups on campus and the surrounding community.