Combating Bias and Intolerance through building a community

Kean University -- maintaining an environment rich in cultural diversity

Garieka Godfrey

As one of the top five most diverse four-year institutions in the nation -- as rated by DiversityInc -- Kean University is dedicated to fostering and maintaining a learning environment that is inclusive of all peoples. This richness in culture is revealed through the Kean faculty, staff, and student population. It is the belief of the Kean University administration that exposure to various perspectives enhances one's education experience.

In honor of the launch of this year's Unity Week, we dedicate this article to discussing the issue of building and maintaining a strong, diverse community in the university. Unity Week is a week of community building and celebration of the identity of Kean.

The university's commitment to eradicating bias, intolerance, and prejudice is demonstrated in its expansive range of education programs that promote human rights and social justice, namely the Annual Conference on Human Rights that is hosted in The Human Rights Institute -- the largest of its kind in the north east. There is also the Holocaust Resource Center, which in accordance with The Human Rights Institute -- raises awareness regarding the legacy of genocide and human rights violations around the world.

Student organizations at Kean promote a sense of togetherness, appreciation for different cultures, and social justice -- incorporating clubs such as African Students Association, Asian Culture Club, Association of Latin American Students, Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean, Haitian Student Association, Jewish Culture Club, Muslim Student Association, West Indian Culture Club, and The Human Rights Club.

Similarities and differences amongst students and recognized student organizations are valued by the university administration. Discrimination, sexual and bias-related harassment, and any other such violations are not tolerated! To ensure the community has the best education and tools to combat these negative resistances

Kean students are absorbed in multicultural environment where each individual has the opportunity to exchange ideas openly. Students who learn in a diverse environment are better prepared to contribute meaningfully to today's exciting economic and cultural landscape. Students who gradate Kean University come out well-educated and open-minded; therefore, ready to succeed in the global economy.