The Diversity Action Circle believes teaching African-American students in the classroom is not different from teaching other students. 

However, according to some students and faculty, there is a difference, which has led to the creation of the Diversity Action Circle (DAC).  This group consists of faculty, students and staff who have come together to “recognize and celebrate diversity on the campus of Appalachian State University.” 

In 1997, a diversity training workshop was organized by Chris Townsend, a former student and Karl Van Ausdal, music librarian for faculty and staff. 

Lynne Getz, assistant professor of history, said “the workshop was a success” and that it needed to be continued even in Townsend’s absence. 

As a result, Van Ausdal and Getz teamed up to conduct a three day workshop for faculty and staff sponsored by the Hubbard Center. 

Some of the goals set at the beginning of the workshop were “to discover how African-American students perceive their classroom experiences at ASU ... to reach faculty who did not come to this workshop and to combat racism on the ASU campus.” 

Because not all the participants felt all of the goals were accomplished, the Diversity Action Circle came into being.  Van Ausdal feels that “there’s an ongoing need ... to make white faculty aware,” of the need to be more diverse. 

This organization is going to need support from campus.  Getz said she would like “to see it be a venue for people to come together where people do not naturally come together and talk about diversity issues.” 

As with most issues dealing with diversity, neither Getz or Van Ausdal feel the acceptance of DAC will be perfectly smooth.  Van Ausdal said there will be “some tendency for people not to pay any attention to it.” 

Van Ausdal explains his experience with diversity as “inspiring.”  He also said that “the more we hear people’s stories, the more we can relate to them as human beings.” 

The purpose of DAC is “to foster social and political equality and other supportive conditions that empower Appalachian students, staff and faculty.” 

If this purpose is something that interests you, the Diversity Action Circle will be having its first meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Multicultural Center in the Student Union. 

The discussion will consist of a logo contest and a diversity freshmen interest group. 

Attendance is encouraged to help create an environment that is beneficial to the ASU community as a whole.