This article is dedicated to the topic of tolerance — tolerance of ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, political ideology, any and all identities that have historically been the target of discrimination and prejudice. Specifically, I would like to speak about an effort that I support and believe can further the conversation of mutual respect and appreciation within the Wichita State community.

First, I would like to commend the recently formed Office of Diversity and Inclusion for bringing relevant issues of tolerance to the forefront of student life activities. Alicia Sanchez, director of diversity and inclusion, has done a phenomenal job of promoting the new office to the student body.

Those of you addicted to Netflix are probably familiar with a show called Orange is the New Black, a critically acclaimed fictional series that follows the lives of female prisoners. One of the show’s main actresses, Laverne Cox, is a prominent LGBT advocate who made history in 2014 for being the first openly transgender person nominated for an Emmy for an acting category. She was also the first openly transgender person on the cover of Time in June 2014.

We now have the unique opportunity to bring this renowned, in demand speaker to Wichita State to engage in an empowering conversation about tolerance, identity, and authenticity. I support bringing Laverne to campus because we need to practice our university’s stated values: “diversity of culture, thought and experience.” She represents a demographic that has historically not received the attention or value placed on other speakers. When was the last time we convened a large audience to listen to a woman, let alone a transgender woman? Or even a person of color?

Laverne embodies the ethos of tolerance that I believe should be embraced and celebrated by our community as the most diverse university in the state.

Gathering a sizeable audience to listen to her story would speak volumes about Wichita State’s commitment to being “a campus that reflects — in staff, faculty and students — the evolving diversity of society.”  

Tonight, Student Senate will vote on a bill that would commit funding for the event to occur in April 2015. Representatives from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion have attended the past two meetings to answer questions and provide background information on the event. Several university departments have committed as cosponsors, in addition to Wichita private industry partners.

I have publically encouraged our Student Senate to support this event and am eager to speak to the funding bill that would secure that official support.

I invite everyone from the community to reach out with any statements regarding this event and student government’s role in supporting this initiative. Through an active, sustained commitment to expanding the community’s understanding and tolerance of our increasing diversity, I am confident we can ensure WSU will continue being the place to be. All feedback will be seriously considered when discussing this funding bill tonight. Contact me at [email protected] or 316.978.7060, or visit our office in RSC 219.