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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
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.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the cultures and histories of the Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The celebration begins Sept. 15, the day five Latin American countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua - achieved independence in 1821. Hispanic Heritage Month also includes the independence days of both Mexico and Chile on Sept. 16 and 18, respectively, and El Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day).
Please visit this page for a complete listing of Hispanic Heritage Month events soon. In the meantime, contact Vanessa Newby, Director of Student Life for Wellness and Diversity Programs, at vnewby@govst.edu or (708) 534-4551 for more information.
Hispanic
Heritage Month celebrates the culture and histories of Americans whose
ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South
America. 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. - See
more at:
http://wordpress.philau.edu/today/2012/09/14/hispanic-heritage-month-at-philau-brings-great-food-and-activities/#sthash.fJHXV8Vi.dpuf
Philadelphia
University will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a
series of events, including Latin food, tango classes and a Mural Arts
tour, to be held between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and histories of
Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and
Central and South America. 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.
- See more at:
http://wordpress.philau.edu/today/2012/09/14/hispanic-heritage-month-at-philau-brings-great-food-and-activities/#sthash.fJHXV8Vi.dpuf
Philadelphia
University will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a
series of events, including Latin food, tango classes and a Mural Arts
tour, to be held between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture and histories of
Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and
Central and South America. 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.
- See more at:
http://wordpress.philau.edu/today/2012/09/14/hispanic-heritage-month-at-philau-brings-great-food-and-activities/#sthash.fJHXV8Vi.dpuf
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.
Please visit this page for a complete listing of LGBT History Month events soon. In the meantime, contact Vanessa Newby, Director of Student Life for Wellness and Diversity Programs, at vnewby@govst.edu or (708) 534-4551 for more information.
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
