Diversity Education Resource Guide For Campus and Community Program Planning

A faculty member on our campus, when asked what the Commission on Multicultural understanding (COMU) meant to her, responded that "COMU is an organization committed to making this environment one in which diversity is not merely tolerated, but celebrated" (Katharine Byers, Associate Professor and Coordinator, Bloomington Social Work Program).

Indeed, since its inception nearly 20 years ago, the faculty, staff, and students who comprise COMU have planned and facilitated hundreds of educational activities with the purpose of celebrating diversity while increasing understanding about racism and other forms of oppression.

The work of COMU, however, extends beyond the efforts of its members. Whether as an attendee at a program or as a presenter or planner, COMU members and others are encouraged to touch as many individuals in the IU community as possible through education. This resource guide is compiled, produced, and updated by COMU as an aid to those who wish to contribute to such educational endeavors.

On behalf of COMU, I thank everyone who has worked on the production of this guide and express appreciation to all who are listed in it as resource persons. I also thank, in advance, everyone who will use the guide in planning programs for our campus and community. With many people contributing to our learning environment, we can and will increasingly become an environment of celebration and respect.

Pamela W. Freeman, Chair
Commission on Multicultural Understanding