Rensselaer’s recent initiatives in diversity awareness and the Communiversity connection with the City of Troy have appreciably benefited student life on the campus. Forums such as “Out and Greek,” The Vagina Monologues, “V-Day,” and Safe Zone training have brought needed attention to often-ignored gay, lesbian, bisexual, and women’s issues. Communiversity events such as Fall Fest and the performance by Luther Johnson at the Rensselaer Union last month have made students aware of the people and programs that are a part of their surrounding community.
However, those programs by themselves are simply not enough. RPI students, faculty, staff, and administration must make a stronger effort to improve the community around them and recognize the diversity in that community. This means that we should be more ready and able to:
· Show tolerance toward all religions, ethnicities, and sexes by supporting events organized by groups on campus that represent them and by voicing our acceptance of their issues regularly.
· Be courteous to those around us by not making fun of someone because of his appearance or opinions.
· Open or hold a door for someone else behind us.
· Participate in local events and programs, not just those held on the Rensselaer campus.
This is our campus to improve for the four years you are here (if you are an undergraduate). Make it even better than it was when you first came to RPI for the future members of this school to enjoy.
