The Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion, located in the Bixler/Gerber quad on campus, is designed to promote cultural diversity by spreading awareness and education about inclusivity at the university.
Ian Shick, assistant director for LGBTQ+ resources at the Myatt Center, says that the best way for students to get involved with their organization is to “get out and experience the diversity of the campus community.”

Shick encouraged students to join Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus that represent their own identities and surrounding community, and to even attend events that support identities different from their own. They said, “Come to the Myatt Center events. Whatever you’re comfortable with, but get out and experience the community. Through these experiences you will learn a lot about what communities are experiencing and what kind of help and support they are seeking.”

Shick also said that the best way students can improve their commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus is to attend events hosted by the university. “What I mean is to show up to events hosted by the Myatt Center, faculty, RSOs and many other groups. Show up when communities ask for help such as at the Open Forums hosted by USGA last spring.”

They said, “Showing up showcases your commitment and signifies a willingness to be there, in person, for other students. To hear their concerns, build community and work together for a better campus.”
Shick emphasized that the Myatt Center is a space for all students to feel included and represented at the university, especially “students who are seeking resources to learn more and develop as campus members and leaders, for students who are seeking connection to people who look like them and to experience the world like them and for students who are seeking to be better advocates, allies and accomplices to their fellow students.”

Throughout the semester, the Myatt Center will be hosting events around campus centering on diversity and inclusion. During September, there will be several on-campus events, such as various celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month and Rosh Hashanah, as well as spread awareness on National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. October will include the LGBT History Month Flag Raising and Indigenous People’s Day, as well as National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. Nov. 1 will mark the first day of Native American Heritage Month, and on Nov. 21, the Myatt Center will be hosting an event for Trans Day of Remembrance. The month of December marks the beginning of holiday festivities as the semester comes to a finish.

“Our space itself is a resource to meet students and access books, movies, comics and other media about diverse experiences, and [about] the work that has been done, is currently being done and needs to be done to create a more equitable world,” Shick said.