Throughout this semester, the Office of Multicultural Affairs has strived to promote cultural awareness and bring forward the issues we face today.
Some of the students organizations under the umbrella of the OMA include the Black Student Union, Spectrum and the Hispanic Student Cultural Society.
Ronda Williams, assistant director of multicultural affairs, said promoting diversity at a large flagship university is often underrated by those looking in from the outside.
“Many do not realize what an office like ours does for students,” Williams said. “We have resources to get students ready for the real world so they leave school with useful skills.”
She said the world around us is changing and accepting diversity is key to success in the 21st century.
“Louisiana especially is a diverse state with a large minority population,” Williams said. “Learning from our programs and activities helps people expand their horizons.”
Activities throughout the semester included various forums on race relations, LGBT history month events and other cultural celebrations.
Williams said the OMA will continue to play a role taking on LGBT issues as the debate continues across the country.
“Tackling LGBT issues is something that needs addressing in the state of Louisiana,” she said. “As an institution we have a responsibility that people understand the issues, policies laws and regulations and are empathetic. Many of these things are issues of human rights and we can help advance the conversation.”
Williams said the OMA and its resources set it apart from other institutions across the state and region.
“Even having a free standing African-American Cultural Center and Womens Center is something we can be proud of,” said Williams. “That puts us in a select group of institutions that value diversity.”
Williams said each semester the OMA works hard to reach out to those students who do not have a voice. This last semester especially she said she is proud of the work that has been done.
“The best part of the job is seeing kids come in here young and inexperienced,” Williams said. “As time passes students that participate in our programs and learn from the diversity of cultures provided here at the University and leave confident and capable of making a real difference. That is what the OMA is all about.”