Diversity Newsletter
September 2020
THE CURRENT CAT
Hello! My name is Sammy Garrett, and I'm the Assistant Coordinator for Departmental Initiatives in the Smurthwaite Leadership/Scholarship House. I will be writing the Housing and Dining Services Diversity Newsletter this year, and I am so excited!

Each issue will contain relevant information about current events, organizations on campus related to equity and inclusion and ways you can advocate for change.

I look forward to taking on this initiative this year and welcome any and all questions or comments. You can reach me at sjgarrett@k-state.edu.
TOPIC OF THE MONTH
Technically celebrated from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, September's issue will cover National Hispanic Heritage Month! Watch this video to learn more about the origin of the month and why we should celebrate Hispanic culture. Check out these fun facts from this video:
  •  Hispanics make up 17% of the population in the United States.
  • The month of celebration begins on Sept. 15 because it is the Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua.
  • Hispanic is not the correct term for many people:
  • Hispanic: If one is from or is a descendant of a Spanish-speaking country.
  • Latino/a: If one is from or is a descendant of a Latin American country (includes Brazil but excludes Spain).
  • Afro-Latino/a: If one is from or a descendant of a Latin American country and is an Afro-descendant.
  • More than 50 million people in the United States speak Spanish — more than the population of Spain!
  • Latinx: Meant as an inclusive term to refer to non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals (Latinos refers to a group of men or a group of women with at least one man, while Latinas refers to a group of only women). However, there are also many opinions that this is erasure of the Spanish language and should not be used for the community — learn more about this topic! What do you think?
ACTION STEPS
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Megan Campbell, She/Her/Hers
Senior - Microbiology (Pre-Med)
What does equity and inclusion mean to you?
“Equity, in my opinion, means to recognize when people are not at an even playing field and doing your best to make it better for them. Equity does not mean equal, because with equality, everyone is treated the same. However, with equity, people are given what they need or require. In my opinion, equity is a means to attain equality. This means that we are equitable so that people are given the chance to be equal. Inclusion is a way of life that is proactive in ensuring that ALL people are taken into consideration in every situation. One must not only be considerate of all people, but also take the initiative to make sure that their everyday life practices are inclusive to people.”
 
Podcast and Book Recommendations related to Equity and Inclusion:
"The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas
"Flygirl" by Sherri L. Smith
"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor
 
Would you like to be featured? Fill out this brief form!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Diversity Ted Talk of the Month

Graciela Mohamedi shares her experiences and insight on performative allyship and the importance of listening to voices that are often silenced. She has been an activist throughout her entire life and shares deep stories from her own life and examples of others exhibiting performative allyship rather than active listening and advocacy. As you watch, pay attention to what thoughts come to mind. Did you learn something new? Were you surprised? Can you think of an example of performative allyship?

Social Justice Alliance
Are you interested in social justice and engaging in tough conversations at K-State? The Social Justice Alliance is a student organization that strives to create change on campus and advocate for the student experience.

Meetings are on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom at ksu.zoom.us/j/98490916556.

Everyone is welcome!
Wholesome TikTok of the Month
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
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K-State Housing and Dining Services | 785-532-6453 |  hdmktg@k-state.edu | housing.k-state.edu
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Manhattan, KS 66506
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