ADL to Train Cal Lutheran Students and Staff on Diversity Issues

THOUSAND OAKS, CA –– To assist California Lutheran University in its quest to foster a campus climate that encourages inclusion, cross–cultural interaction and respect for diversity, trainers from the Anti–Defamation League’s “A Campus Of Difference” program will hold a three–day diversity training program on the university’s main campus in Thousand Oaks. The sessions will begin Monday, Aug. 23, and continue through Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Soiland Humanities Center.

Two trainers representing diverse cultural and racial backgrounds will work with a group of 25 student ambassadors to teach them how to deliver ongoing anti–bias diversity training programs for the entire university community. The ADL’s A Campus of Difference program is part of their larger A World of Difference program which is designed to help participants increase their self–awareness and learn to celebrate diversity.

“Cultural diversity is an important issue facing all college campuses,” said Debbie Stogel, ADL Director of Campus/Higher Education Programs. “The starting point of our diversity program is awareness. It's a highly adaptive and integrative program that utilizes experiential exercises to promote the concepts of cultural diversity.”

CLU is involved in several diversity programs following the receipt of a $400,000 Diversity grant from The James Irvine Foundation in 2003. The grant, which will be dispersed over a three–year period, is being used to foster a campus climate that encourages inclusion, cross–cultural interaction, respect for and appreciation of diversity, and global awareness.

The Anti–Defamation League, one of the nation’s leading human relations agencies, was created in 1913 to seek justice and fair treatment for all. Its objectives include combating prejudice, racism and bigotry, spearheading the battle against hate and terrorist groups and defending the constitutional rights of all Americans. ADL recognizes that managing and valuing diversity is critical to all individuals on a college and university campus. We recognize the importance of fostering an inclusive culture that leverages the strengths of all faculty, staff, administrators and students on campus. Visit our website: www.adl.org