E pluribus unum (Latin for "from many, a common purpose"). These are the words that we find inscribed on our American currency along with the images of the torch (dime), Monticello (nickle), bald eagle (quarter) and the Lincoln Memorial (penny). These images combined with the language of E pluribus unum in essence captures the magnimity of the American spirit which we also find infused within the context of our constitutional rights and pledge of allegiance.
As we look at the changing face of America, we also understand or recognize what impact this has on the university, as we are a microcosm of the nation -- a place composed of many different people, cultures, races, religion, traditions, genders and sexual orientations. With such diversity, our evolution as a community presents to us a unique set of challenges as we seek to understand our common ground.
I have sat with students, faculty, staff and colleagues as we shared our views about what constitutes "community" at the university and also try to find the answers of how best to address our diversity issues. And my epiphany on this subject came to me when I recently attended a lecture series given by Diana Eck, a professor of comparative religion at Harvard University (a visiting scholar for the Year of Religion), who spoke to us about the "human face" of what living within a pluralistic community requires from each one of us.
Eck pointed out that when we begin our discourse we must do so with an open mind and in my words, an open heart. Eck reminded us that by being "open" with each other without passing judgement first, we will find new ways to encourage more constructive dialogue as we build a context in which to understand our differences, as well as our similarities. She also stressed to us that tolerance is not enough in addressing our diversity issues.
This was all part of the focus of the last of her three-part lecture (as part of the Robinson Lectures in Religion), on the subject of "Going Public: Challenging Issues for Multi-religious America." She herself has also recently made national news by "going public." Acting on a personal decision she made to accept a special appointment at Harvard which would require her living in residence halls with students, she did so along with the understanding that she could bring her life partner with her, who happens to be of the same sex.
Just a few months ago as Eck spoke to us about the challenges which cultural pluralism brings, she in essence has lived it. Within her own academic community she has recently had to contend with the dark side which emerges when fear, coupled by ignorance and intolerance, makes her a walking target.
Thankfully, she is a formidable woman and this too shall pass, but what does this say about the status of how diversity issues are being addressed or not addressed within a premiere Ivy League private liberal arts institution such as Harvard? What implications does this have for us? I think there is a lesson here which we can draw from the example of our neighbor up north.
The lesson for me is one which rests in how we can intentionally build upon our awareness and appreciation of what makes us "unique" as a community while counteracting our fears.
In my mind, in order for us to cultivate a warmer cultural climate at the university, it seems to me to rest in recognizing our "humanity" -- our fundamental human needs to be respected, valued and understood. And as we move into next year's theme year focusing on "Globalization and Diversity: Conflict or Harmony?" perhaps this will present to us a pregnant pause in all of our lives to reflect on what living within a pluralistic community means to us and what it will require from us.
So if we can for just a moment pause from the busyness of our lives at the end of this semester, and ask ourselves the question, "What can I do to improve my cultural sensitivity index?" This may be as simple as participating in a cultural event or attending a forum, listening to WAKE Radio's or viewing WAKE TV's student-based talk show programs on the subject, writing or reading the editorials or joining in a "talking table" group. And for those who like to communicate via e-mail, why not create your own list serve or web page to begin such discussions? Maybe then we will find our common purpose and create new ways to capture the true essence of what E pluribus unum is all about.