Forum focuses on function of international students

John Singleton, director of International Student Services, said difference of opinion is one key to achieving true diversity. Singleton addressed diversity among other topics during Thursday’s lunch forum held at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni and Visitors Center.

Sponsored by the Chancellor’s Council on Diversity, the luncheon brought 14 administrators, faculty, staff and students together to discuss the function of international students in creating differences of opinion on campus.

“Opinion is the one thing you can come to by choice,” Singleton said.

He said diversity is giving access to different voices.

“Since many students come from a privileged background, many are going to have the same opinions even if they come from different backgrounds,” Singleton said.

Glenda Clausen, Cornell Thomas’ administrative assistant, said she really never thought about opinion as being a factor of diversity.

“(The discussion) helped me to look and see a different perspective,” she said.

The next forum will be Oct. 17 when the topic will be Healing the hate: a journey toward peace.

— Joi Harris