Special guest Dr. Tracy Crump, Associate Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice at St. Xavier University. Dr. Crump’s talk will consider how to build inclusive spaces in our society by exploring the root causes of social unrest in Chicago over the last century. She will start with the Red Summer of 1919 and move forward.
Tracy Crump holds the Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a juris doctorate from from the John Marshall Law School, and earned the LL.M. (post-JD studies) at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Despite common assumptions, graphic novels have been utilized as tools for social commentary and instruments of change. They can be used to defuse anger, to expose the reader to diverse cultures and experiences, to teach tolerance, and to address diversity in our schools and in our worlds. Educators Eric Kallenborn, Ronell Whitaker, and Claire Overton discuss the intertwining history of comics, social justice, feminism, and censorship, and how these things shape our view of the medium.
This event was part of our Graphic Novel Symposium: http://ext.morainevalley.edu/comicsculture/
Are you thinking of attending one of the Global & Diversity Education Events this fall? If you want some more information about the event topics check out some of these books from the Moraine Valley Library.
International Student panel: 11/14: 2:30-3:30 LibraryThis panel discussion will consist of students from at least 5 different countries who will share what it is like to study abroad in the U.S. and be an international student at Moraine Valley.
This week, the debate over the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community came up in the news. First, North Carolina banned same-sex marriage (see this article from the Washington Post, North Carolina approves ban on same-sex marriage). Then, President Obama came out in favor of same-sex marriage (see the video below).
One of Moraine Valley’s core values is diversity. Our campus has taken a firm stance to affirm the value of all people on our campus, which includes sexual orientation. Here is the statement from our Diversity and Inclusion statement:
“Acknowledging, understanding, appreciating, embracing and integrating individual differences and similarities by deliberately fostering a climate of respect that affirms the value and contributions of each individual on your campus.
“Individual differences and similarities may include, but are not limited to: age, race, religion, disability, national origin, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, socio-economic status or class, geography, learning styles, language, culture, political ideology, values, and experiences.”
If you are interested in joining the national debate, our library has some great resources. First, you may want to look at the book Religion and Sexuality edited by Kevin Hillstrom, which is located in our library. Since most of the debate around same-sex marriage has it’s origins in religion, this book may be particularly useful.
For more background, you may want to look at Kenneth Jost’s 2008 article, “Gay marriage showdowns” in CQ Researcher (MVCC ID required from off campus). Even though this article is a few years old, most of the issues remain the same.
One difference since 2008 is that Illinois passed its civil union law in 2011, which provides all of the same benefits for same-sex couples that different-sex couples enjoy. You can learn more about Illinois’ law at Equality Illinois’ page on Civil Unions.
Here is the video about Obama’s stance on same-sex marriage and the fall presidential election.
The Supreme Court has decided to hear the case Fisher v. University of Texas bringing the issue of affirmative action again into the national discourse. Affirmative action supporters fear that this new case could bring an end to integrated and diverse college campuses. Opponents see it as an opportunity to end a practice they consider unconstitutional. Articles in The New York Times and the Chronicle of Higher Education provide the details of this current case, along with some context for the controversy the case will cause. For an overview of the issue, take a look at the CQ Researcher report Affirmative Action.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity in America: A Reference Handbook: A thorough overview of the populations and social forces that have shaped the character of racial and ethnic diversity in the United States. This book is on the shelves in the Moraine Valley Library and will make a great resource as the staff and faculty of Moraine discuss diversity.
It’s time to enjoy the warmer weather and all the pleasures that this time of the year provides. Flowers, fruits, and vegetables are some of of these gifts. The humble bee plays an important role in all of these products.
Bees are divided into two classes, cultivated bees (honeybees who produce honey and pollinate crops) and native bees (those who have no human interaction who also pollinate many of our plants and crops). We take bees and pollination for granted, but entomologists warn that some species of bees “who are vital for their role as pollinators are imperiled by temperature extremes, habitat loss, disease and pesticides have all contributed to the decline of many species of pollinators.” Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants depend on pollinators to reproduce. Our food supply depends on pollinators. We can help alleviate this situation with one or two simple steps.
More information on this topic can be found in the MVCC library Science Databases
The Celebrating Diversity Task Group’s LGBTQ+ Subcommittee is hosting the annual Rainbow Reception virtually this year! On Monday, February 1st you can learn about the different resources on campus available to LGBTQIA+ students. Join via WebEx. You can also show your pride by ordering a t-shirt!
After the reception, check out some of the resources available at the library with this selection of books, audiobooks, and graphic novels. Click on the image to view the collection:
October 20 -26 is Ace Week, originally called Asexuality Awareness Week, which highlights asexual-spectrum identities. Learn more about asexuality and how you can support ace members of your community with these library resources:
The Invisible Orientation (also available as an eBook) is meant for both those who identify on the asexual spectrum, as well as those who want to understand friends and family members that may be asexual.
If you are looking for a scientific view of what asexuality is and why it matters, Understanding Asexuality will give you a look at the research behind this sexual minority.
(A)sexual (Streaming Video) explores the challenges of finding identity in a culture that values sexual attraction. Check here for help with streaming video.
Don’t forget to check out LGBTQIA resources on campus or get involved with the student organization ¡GASP!
