Caledonia Argus

Students organize Diversity Day

Posted: 2/17/04

by Jane Palen
Managing Editor

State Senator Scott Dibble delivered a message of optimism, acceptance and equality to Caledonia High School at its second annual Diversity Day on February 10.

Sen. Dibble, who represents part of the city of Minneapolis, began his speech by describing his activism in the 1980s when the AIDS crisis was at its peak. Many victims of AIDS were the people society often neglected, including homosexuals and drug users.

ìBasic institutions did not respond because these people were different,î said Dibble. He was part of a movement that helped bring recognition and hope to the groups that were most affected by AIDS.

ìThis country was founded on the premise and promise of equality,î Dibble told the students, adding that ìEducation is the foundation of access and opportunity.î

Dibble urged the students to exercise their right to vote, and encouraged them to contact their legislators on issues that concern them even if they havenít reached voting age. He emphasized that all citizens have a right to express their opinions free from fear of recrimination from the government and that we also have a right to privacy. The countryís promise of fair treatment, equal access, and innocent- until-proven-guilty should extend to all its citizens.

Dibble referred to immigration as ìa source of constant renewalî and pointed to the revitalization of his own district as an example of how various immigrant groups have made their mark by opening shops and becoming involved in the community.

Despite the positive results diversity can bring about, there are still struggles and challenges, said Dibble.

ìChallenges are always there and always present,î he said.

Dibble, who was the first openly gay legislator elected to the state legislature, said that as a student he was a target of bullies, as was his partner of 15 years, Dave Maier, who graduated from CHS in 1979. When a student is bullied because of what he or she is, said Dibble, ìA little bit of them dies each day.î

ìWe each need a fair shot at the future,î said Dibble. ìNo oneís gifts should be overlooked.î

Other diversity day events included a performance by the West African Drum Ensemble under the direction of Alex Vaver; music and dance by Ho-Chunk Native American Dancers, and breakout sessions that addressed topics such as homelessness and poverty, depression, GLBTQ issues, body image, mental health, gender identity, multiculturalism, and disabilities.

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