Stephen F. Austin State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs will host the second annual Something to Chew On discussion series this month in partnership with the Lumberjack Cultural Association.
“The purpose of the event is to have open dialogue that focuses on topics of concern to the SFA community,” said Veronica Beavers, OMA director and interim director of student rights and responsibilities. “In addition to local issues, we also highlight issues that affect society worldwide.”
Participation has significantly grown since the series launched in fall 2018, Beavers added. The first event focused on equality while the subsequent spring 2019 event centered on the effects of generational trauma.
The theme of this fall’s series is SFA cultural climate.
“We chose this topic because some SFA students may feel uncomfortable around peers with different backgrounds and appearances,” said Elda Echeverry, LCA president. “We think it is important to lean into the discomfort and have open discussions to break stereotypes and typecasting based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and more.”
LCA is extending an open invitation to all members of the SFA campus community to stimulate dialogue by sharing their own experiences.
“In order for this event to be successful, we need students, staff and faculty who are willing to share their experiences and listen to the experiences of others,” Echeverry added.
The fall 2019 Something to Chew On will begin at noon Sept. 25 in the Baker Pattillo Student Center, Room 3102. Snacks and door prizes will be provided.
For more information, contact the OMA at (936) 468-1073 or oma@sfasu.edu.
By Christine Broussard, marketing communications coordinator at Stephen F. Austin State University
