2008 Woodie Awards
February searches for an identity on campus
by Mallory Dumas
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: News
February 2008 will mark the third year that Piedmont has celebrated multicultural month on campus. Mark Maynard, residence life coordinator, says it started when he came on board as a staff member. A student asked him why February was only Black History Month.
Maynard researched other cultures and found an underlying theme.
"Oppression and suffrage has happened in different cultures," says Maynard. "Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech was focused on all people being treated equally."
In the past, multicultural month has been celebrated by having cultural foods in the cafeteria, speakers and information provided on various backgrounds around campus. Maynard says the events were mainly about information and education.
"It just ended up that way," says Maynard when asked why February was chosen as multicultural month instead of just Black History Month.
This year a group of students wanted to celebrate Black History Month on campus.
"We wanted to have some events on campus to recognize black history," says junior John Paul Jordan. "A few ideas were shot down."
That's when the group decided to meet with Maynard. They compiled a list of over 100 people who support Black History Month to present to him.
"I wish this issue had not gone as far as it has," says Jordan. "People have been blowing up about it."
Drew Davis, dean of student affairs, says it is a non-issue because the campus life staff will change the month to satisfy students.
"I do what I do because of the students," says Maynard. "If they have ideas, we will make it happen."
Maynard is meeting with the students Jan. 28 to discuss ideas for February.
Maynard researched other cultures and found an underlying theme.
"Oppression and suffrage has happened in different cultures," says Maynard. "Dr. King's 'I have a dream' speech was focused on all people being treated equally."
In the past, multicultural month has been celebrated by having cultural foods in the cafeteria, speakers and information provided on various backgrounds around campus. Maynard says the events were mainly about information and education.
"It just ended up that way," says Maynard when asked why February was chosen as multicultural month instead of just Black History Month.
This year a group of students wanted to celebrate Black History Month on campus.
"We wanted to have some events on campus to recognize black history," says junior John Paul Jordan. "A few ideas were shot down."
That's when the group decided to meet with Maynard. They compiled a list of over 100 people who support Black History Month to present to him.
"I wish this issue had not gone as far as it has," says Jordan. "People have been blowing up about it."
Drew Davis, dean of student affairs, says it is a non-issue because the campus life staff will change the month to satisfy students.
"I do what I do because of the students," says Maynard. "If they have ideas, we will make it happen."
Maynard is meeting with the students Jan. 28 to discuss ideas for February.
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