A representative from Spectrum and a representative from Hillel talked in the Tichenor/Trane lounge well after the hall's inaugural Diversity Summit. That, according to the summit's organizer Kevin Cline, made the whole program worthwhile.
Cline, a resident assistant in the hall, said he has wanted to put on a program like this for a long time. The panel discussion format featured four representatives from three campus organizations.
Janet Arias and Cat Zakragsek represented the Latino Student Union, and Abby Siskind represented Hillel, a Jewish organization. Anthony Amstutz represented Spectrum, the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied student association at Ball State.
"It's meant to provide an opportunity to grow within yourself," Cline said.
The audience of about 25 asked questions on a variety of diversity issues, but one theme continued to arise: feeling comfortable with who you are.
"People who aren't comfortable in their own skin or in their own sexuality won't be comfortable with the rest of us," Amstutz said.
One audience member asked if diversity brought about division. The panelists explained that people need to associate with others who have had similar experiences.
Arias used an example many minorities have experienced. If someone says a disparaging remark, she explained, sometimes you don't know how to react. That is why you need to go to people who understand. Then next time, you will be able to deal with that situation better.
"Being comfortable in who you are takes certain steps," Zakragsek said.
The first step, she said, is communicating with people in your religious, cultural or ethnic group. Then, it is easier to reach out to others.
Zakragsek said the Latino Student Union does send out fliers to students who have identified themselves as Hispanic on university documents, but their membership is not limited to the Hispanic population.
"We highly promote members of other races coming," Zakragsek said. She said that out of the 20 people who may attend an LSU meeting, only seven may be Latino.
Amstutz said the same about Spectrum.
"People think 'It's the gay club. I'm not gay. I'm not going,'" he said. "But the majority of members are heterosexual, including our president."
Cline said he would like to see more students attend diversity meetings, but if just one learns something, it is worthwhile.
"This gives residents things to think about," Cline said. "It would be good for any hall."
Freshman Staci Terry said she was one student who did learn something.
"I came to support Anthony (Amstutz)," she said. "This made me realize that I can do more things to support more diversity."
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