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Cultural diversity expressed in traditional ethnic customs

By: Michael Wang <[email protected]>

On the first day of eighth grade, Shalin Zia, who is now a sophomore, received smiles of recognition but also stares of curiosity. She said, “Some people acted normally and talked to me like they normally did and some just gave me stares. They were kind of curious probably like, ‘Why is she wearing it?’”

That year was the first year Zia wore a hijab, which are headscarves worn by Muslim women to signify modesty. According to her, Muslim women should wear the hijab although some do not.

Culturally diverse from many of her classmates here because she is from India and Muslim, Zia said, “I think it is great that there are a lot of people from a lot of countries because many people will get to know about different cultures and not stereotype others.”

In reference to how students here can further promote diversity, Amy Skeens-Benton, sponsor of the Diversity Focus Group and administrative assistant, said, “I think that because we have students that come from well-educated families that our issues with diversity have to be about enhancing our programming and getting more people involved than anything else.”

But because this school is so culturally diverse, misunderstandings are sometimes inevitable. Zia said she suggests for people to just get to know other people before they begin to judge them. She said, “When you get to know them, you realize that everyone is not what you expected them to be.”
Skeens-Benton said, “Education is one way to prevent it. Our goal is also to help with education and talk about our differences and once again educate people about it.”

Another way to prevent misunderstandings as a result of cultural differences at this school is through the Diversity Focus Group. The group has around 15 members and was started around two years ago. The purpose of the group, according to Skeens-Benton, is to discuss what is occurring within the school and also to talk about issues if there are misunderstandings. She said, “We meet probably two (to) three times a semester, depending on the occasion. We might meet and discuss what we are going to do for (Ramadan) and for Black History Month we met with Lifelines and we had more meetings. And if there is an issue, if something comes (up), we will meet immediately.”

Zia, who is a present member of the Diversity Focus Group, said, “We just talk about different holidays or events that are coming up for different cultures and we try to promote them (here).”

Skeens-Benton said, “Diversity pretty much means differences, and we (have) got a lot of those and our job is to make sure no matter what puts you as diverse or different, your needs are being met.”

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