While Otterbein claims to foster a diverse and inclusive community, our true culture may only touch on diversity at a superficial level.
On Tuesday, more than 30 students, faculty, staff and guests attended the discussion "Do Diverse Worlds Connect at Otterbein College?" where participants raised questions and issues relating to Otterbein's diverse culture.
Six faculty and staff panelists led the discussion, agreeing that Otterbein welcomed diverse cultures, but could still put in more intentional efforts toward connecting the different "pockets" of Otterbein's community.
"We're like bubbles. We rub each other, but we don't connect," said Lisa Patterson-Phillips, director of the Office of Diversity. "We need to recognize the ways we are different but start to see our similarities."
Patterson-Phillips, one of the main panelists, also said that different pockets of Otterbein's campus are "nice" to one another, but don't truly connect for fear of uncomfortable conversations.
Thomas Ahrens, interim director of international education, said Otterbein needs more places and events with intentionality of connecting and sharing space.
Other panelists, including representatives on behalf of the black and women's studies programs, disability services and the GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) Advisory Commission, shared their perceptions of Otterbein's inclusiveness, and further agreed they would like to see more.
Marsha Robinson, interim director of the black studies program, said one drawback to Otterbein's inclusiveness is certain students not ready to be part of one human family.
"We need to address the undercurrent," Robinson said. "Some students are not ready to change."
In group discussions, students also voiced their opinions of Otterbein's inclusiveness and overall agreed that many students on campus are not accepting of others.
Senior sociology major Jasmine Thomas noted that Otterbein is "diverse on paper," but in reality, students have a tendency to group based on their background and interests. Even in the Cardinal's Nest, Thomas said grouping is apparent from table to table.
To end the discussion, participants brainstormed steps to improve Otterbein's connectivity. Ideas included more opportunities to share and discuss diverse cultures and infusing diverse ideas into curriculum and classes.
"The real world is so much bigger than Otterbein and people need to experience it," said Thomas. "People need to grow up, get over it, learn to agree, disagree and work together. It gets old seeing people hung up on such trivial things." t&c;
