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UNIITE sets good example for SCSU
As a community, it is everyone's job to improve the area in which we live. That does not stop at neighborhood clean-ups and beautification projects. We also need to understand the diversity that enriches St. Cloud.
As a step toward that goal, Understanding the Need for Interfaith/Intercultural Togetherness and Education (UNIITE) has a six-week Jewish Dialogue series Tuesday nights where Jewish teachings and beliefs are taught and discussed.
With allegations of anti-Semitic behavior at SCSU in recent years, UNIITE Director Malcolm Nazareth believed that the root of the problems needed to be addressed to encourage understanding of Jewish customs. SCSU Interim Director for Jewish Studies Joseph Edelheit is taking part in the discussions in an effort to connect the community and the campus.
UNIITE's scope goes beyond educating people about just Jewish customs; the organization's goal is to develop awareness about all cultures and religions in the St. Cloud area.
Campus and community leaders should follow suit and join forces to promote a commonwealth that is understanding of all peoples, cultures and customs.
What can be accomplished by collaborating?
Accusations, arguments and lawsuits could be curtailed if more programs along these lines were implemented. This is a learning community. As we provide more opportunities for education, the chances of crimes committed through misunderstandings, ignorance or blatant disrespect should decrease.
The general education core includes classes that inform students about the differences in cultures and religions, which is a definite asset. There are cultural nights, organizations and centers that provide information on the multicultural students and ideas on our campus because cultural awareness is essential to becoming a well-rounded, respectable citizen.
This knowledge is especially helpful in the business world, where dealing with associates from various countries and backgrounds is commonplace - unintentional offensive behavior could cost a company a multi-million deal. It is not an accident that the university provides the chance to learn about many cultures and religions; it is important.
However, as much as this university stresses diversity and understanding, such ideals can evaporate once students step off of campus. That is why organizations such as UNIITE are essential and where SCSU's participation in the "dialogues" is imperative.
If SCSU expands its belief of a culturally-sound foundation to the community, we may sooner break down stereotypes that exist at SCSU, in our neighborhood and in the greater St. Cloud area.
One can never know enough about what makes us different.
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