California State University Channel Islands To Open Multicultural and Women's & Gender Center

California State University Channel Islands will open its Multicultural and Women's & Gender Center at a special ceremony on Monday, March 8, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. The student-run center will serve as a space for students to meet and discuss issues of multiculturalism and gender identity. The opening ceremony will serve as the kick off event for the California State University Channel Islands International Week Celebration, which runs March 8 through 12.

Initiated by CSUCI students and funded by Associated Student fees, the Multicultural and Women's & Gender Center will heighten the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of various issues of diversity and gender equity for the entire CSUCI community. Various programs will be sponsored through the center, which will also contain a library and a common meeting place. The center will occupy space in the east wing of the Bell Tower building on campus. Planning for various speakers and workshops has already begun.

"The Multicultural and Women's & Gender Center is something that the students have been working on since CSUCI's first semester," comments Rebecca Glazier, CSUCI Student Body President. "Because our University is so new, our efforts are setting a precedent and showing our commitment to issues of race and gender. We made the center a priority because we want the identity we create for CSUCI to be a positive one. We are very excited that our efforts to establish the center are finally coming to fruition."

Associate Professor of English and Chair of the Academic Senate Renny Christopher adds: "This center will serve as a home base for programs and events which will help the University continue to develop a campus environment which welcomes all forms of diversity and provides a safe and supportive working and learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff. I think this is a momentous occasion for us, one which demonstrates our commitment to equity."

Speakers at the ceremony will include President Richard R. Rush, Vice President for Student Affairs Wm. Gregory Sawyer, Associate Professor of English and Chair of the Academic Senate Renny Christopher, and CSUCI Student Body President Rebecca Glazier. There will also be a Chumash blessing.

For more information, contact Lisette Rodriguez, EOP and outreach coordinator, at (805) 437-8923.

Media Contact: Peggy Hinz, 805-437-8415