Diversity & Social Justice Programs

Governors State University is recognized as one of the most diverse institutions of higher education in the State of Illinois. Consequently, we are committed to campus-wide efforts that affirm the diversity represented within the University community and the value and vitality that pluralism brings to our individual and collective experience. Through the Student Life Unit, the university coordinates special events, workshops, meetings and programs that recognize the ethnic and cultural diversity of the campus as a community strength.

Upcoming Programs and Involvement Opportunities

Hispanic Heritage Month

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GSU Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month “Our Time: A Strong America” from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15

Learn and celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. The celebration begins Sept. 15, the day that five Latin American countries — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua — achieved independence in 1821. Heritage Month also includes the independence days of both Mexico and Chile on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively, and El Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) on Oct. 12.

Please visit this page for more updates! If you have any questions, please contact Vanessa Newby, Director of Student Life for Wellness and Diversity Programs, at vnewby@govst.edu or (708) 534-4551 for more information.

Hispanic/Latino countries Flag Display
September 16-October 15Hall of Governors

To Celebrate Independence (display)
September 16
11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Hall of Governors
This is a display highlighting the countries that received their independence between September 15 and September 21.

Supporting Undocumented Students (Faculty Focus)
September 18, 3-4 p.m. D1496
A short film will focus on the experience of undocumented students, the webinar will focus on the political, legal and practical implications of the Department of Homeland Security’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process (DACA), the DREAM Act provisions of the pending immigration bill, and insight regarding other pending policy actions followed by a discussion. Please RSVP to Lisa Carra at lcarra@govst.edu.

Open Class: Culture and Communication
Professor Jason Zingshiem
Topic: Space and Place
September 18
4:30-7:20 p.m., D34180
This is an open class, which explores the key characteristics of Latin@ cultural values, the role of history and place in shaping cultural identity, and the ways bodies move through space.

Addressing Sexual Violence in Immigrant Communities
September 19
5-7 p.m. Engbretson Hall, Sponsored by YWCA Chicagoland
This workshop will address the impacts of sexual violence, particularly among Latino immigrants. The workshop will integrate and address migration, domestic violence, cultural values, and barriers to mental health services due to economic, legal, economic, social and language concerns.

Supporting Undocumented Students (Staff Focus)
September 19
1-2:30 p.m. , D1496
A short film will focus on the experience of undocumented students, the webinar will focus on the political, legal and practical implications of the Department of Homeland Security’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process (DACA), the DREAM Act provisions of the pending immigration bill, and insight regarding other pending policy actions followed by a discussion. Please RSVP to Lisa Carra at lcarra@govst.edu.

Flamingo Passion: Quejios-Cries in the Air
Center for Performing Arts
October 12
8 p.m. Center for Performing Arts
www.centertickets.net
Take an emotional journey through the musical landscape of Spain with Chicago's best flamenco and world music talent and guest singer Alfonso Cid. A sampling of food and wine native to the region will be offered one hour prior to the show, along with a discussion on the cultural history of Spanish flamenco.

The Student Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice

The Offices of Student Life and International Students are now accepting applications for "The Student Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice." The Coalition's mission is to encourage an accepting environment where students can embark upon a journey of education and empowerment through discovering similarities, differences, and challenges. Representatives will challenge stereotypes, biases and prejudices through advocacy, education, and building community awareness. Applicants can be either undergraduate or graduate students committed to diversity and social justice issues and willing to commit to a one-year term. For additional information, contact Vanessa Newby, Director of Student Life for Wellness and Diversity Programs, at vnewby@govst.edu or (708) 534-4551.

The Student Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice Program Application

LGBT History Month

Governors State University will celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History Month with a series of events during the month of October. "For a community deprived of its history, LGBT History Month teaches our heritage, provides role models, builds community, and recognizes our extraordinary national and international contributions," said Malcolm Lazin, executive director of the Equality Forum, an international civil rights organization. LGBT History Month was first celebrated in 1994. October was chosen as the month for the celebration because National Coming OUt Day was first held in October, and October commemorated the first march on Washington by LGBT people in 1979.

If you have any questions, contact Vanessa Newby, Director of Student Life for Wellness and Diversity Programs, at vnewby@govst.edu or (708) 534-4551.

Black Women Rock Winners

In celebration of Black History Month, the first GSU Black Women Rock award ceremony was held February 28, 2013. GSU Black Women Rock was an acknowledgment of Black women who are making or have made strides in the following areas:

• Sistah Philanthropist: a person engaged in civic activities
• Literary Expressionist: a writer, poet, etc.
• Passionate Advocate: a political or social advocate
• Creative Soul: film producer, performing artist, script writer, etc.
• Miz Entrepreneur: a sole proprietor or partner in a business endeavor

Click here to view the Creative Soul Winner

Click here to view the Literary Expressionist Winner

Click here to view the Miz Entrepreneur Winner

Click here to view the Passionate Advocate Winner

Click here to view the Sistah Philanthropist Winner