96-04-17 Meeting to Focus on Diversity MEETING TO FOCUS ON DIVERSTIY IN SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES COLUMBUS -- "Diversity" has become a popular word to describe the positive effects of differences in ethnicity, race and gender. But, what does it mean exactly? And how do those differences make a difference, particularly in schools and the workplace? The Ohio State University will host "American Identity: Making Difference Work" from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 3, at the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. This free public forum for Ohio educators, business professionals and other interested persons will include discussions of the practical and beneficial ways to navigate difference and put it to work for everyone's benefit. The all-day meeting will open with a keynote address from John Bodnar, professor of history at Indiana University and expert on ethnicity, who will speak on "A History of Getting Along in America." Two morning focus sessions will deal with "Teaching Diversity: Making a Difference in the Classroom" and "Investing in Difference: Valuing Diversity in the Workplace and the World." Both sessions will involve the audience in discussions of the opportunities and challenges faced by Ohio's educators and business people. A highlight of the program will be the early afternoon session in which four selected members of the audience will present their own experiences with diversity in Ohio's schools and businesses. The presenters will share the innovative methods which led to success for their programs. The symposium will conclude with a two-hour open session to encourage general discussion and permit networking among the attendees. A wide audience is expected, representing public and private schools and universities, small businesses, government agencies, the health care industry, the media and the non-profit sector. The event is sponsored by Ohio State's College of Humanities and Office of Academic Affairs, and the Ohio Humanities Council. For registration information, call Melinda Nelson, assistant dean of the College of Humanities, at (614) 688-4550. # Contact: Melinda Nelson, assistant dean, College of Humanities, (614) 688-4550. [Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu) Wed, 17 Apr 1996 11:13:01 -0400] All documents are the responsibility of their originator.