It’s very apparent that St. Lawrence University is diversifying. However, what may not be apparent is how we are moving toward this goal. Although many members of the SLU community are tired of hearing and having the statement about diversity and inclusion thrown around, these are intrinsic values that many within the community strongly believe in.
Because of the many issues of inclusion on campus, there has been the creation of the diversity and Inclusion Chair position within Thelmo, which seeks to rectify to the best of its ability those ills. The chair position has started a tradition for St. Lawrence to participate in the Unity Project.
This project is something that happens all over the world and in many universities such as Mississippi State University (MSU). The goal of this project and its values are similar to the goals of SLU, to create a community that encompasses all of the unique backgrounds of students, faculty, and canton community members by having a larger-than life structure that visually shows our members interconnectedness.
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee has members at the site of the project, behind Hepburn, for an hour each day while the project is ongoing. The members are there to show every student how to weave the yarn around the structure.
Each of the 32 poles has a signifier such as, “I or my family rents a home,” or “I or my family own a home,” or ” my family’s continent of origin is Africa.” The are even poles that say “I am a survivor,” or “I believe Survivors,” etc. These poles have these signifiers to show how members of the SLU community come from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds with different beliefs regarding religion, rights, and other experiences that shape who they are. After wrapping the yarn around the poles that pertain to each person, they come back to the center, and community members can step back and look at how their backgrounds are connected to so many others.
Ultimately, the Unity Project is a great signifier of the strength in our communities. Through our shared experiences, it promotes an appreciation for diversity and inclusion on our campus. I hope that everyone from community members, to staff, as well as theme houses and Greek life can come together and take part in this important project. The commencement of the project was October 5, and it will conclude on October 16 at 4:30. I strongly encourage everyone to participate!