IRISH HERITAGE DAY

I've always been confused by the lack of days or months dedicated to the celebration of various European cultures, but it really came to the forefront of my thinking once I entered college. For an institution that prides itself on cultural diversity, it seemed to be a no-brainer that European cultures would find their way into the mix. Unfortunately, it didn't appear to resonate with the decision-makers. This no longer seems to be the case.

Yesterday marked Olivet College Irish Heritage Day. The Echo's Maggie Gustafson worked with Jason Meadows of the Multicultural Department in putting together a day for students to celebrate Ireland, its history, and its many traditions. The event was, in my estimation, a success.

The idea of celebrating various European cultures makes plenty of sense, especially due to the fact that the majority of students attending the college descend, in one way or another, from Europe. Yet many of the students have felt a certain disconnect from their cultural heritage, and some have admitted a hesitancy to talk about it. This is unfortunate. It is unfortunate not only because they should be proud of their various cultures, but also because it is apparent that the school is more than willing to work with them towards putting events of this nature in place.

After the event, a staff member spoke with me about her frustration and regret that students are not celebrating all cultures with equal vigor. While she readily admitted that cultural diversity is an ideal worth pursuing, she insisted that it must be more inclusive. She went on to say that with Europe having such a wide array of cultures, there should be a never-ending stream of days or months dedicated to learning about them. I couldn't agree more.

There are a number of lessons that should be gleaned from this event. First, if a student is willing to work with Jason Meadows and the multicultural department, then the multicultural deparment will be willing to work with them. Secondly, cultural pride does not, in and of itself, result in racial separatism or supremacy. And lastly, Olivet is making positive steps towards celebrating a more robust and inclusive multiculturalism. All of these are good things, both for the students and the school.