Campus-Wide Diversity Programs
MLK Observance Week
The MLK Observance Week is an institution at Kansas State University. Each year, around the national holiday, K-State holds a week of celebration honoring this great man. We are particularly invested in this celebration, because K-State is the last university at which Dr. King spoke before his assassination. More importantly, this celebration is an annual reaffirmation of and commitment to the principles of fairness and social justice for which Dr. King stood.
Cultural Community Harmony Week
A student, Barbara Baker, created Racial/Ethnic Harmony Week after some disquieting events occurred. In 2002, Racial/Ethnic Harmony Week was changed to Community Cultural Harmony Week to bridge all the rich diversity in our communities and to bring us together to learn and grow. Occurring at the beginning of the fall semester, CCHW is a good way to start promoting and supporting our shared responsibility to make K-State a positive place for all to work and learn.
Black History Month
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson was acutely aware of the exclusion of Black history from American history. As a result, he created a celebration of Black history. In 1976, the United States Congress enacted a bill which formally created Black History Month and paved the way for a national month-long celebration in February. At K-State, the Black History Month Celebration is coordinated by the Black Student Union.
Hispanic Heritage Month
In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to create National Hispanic Heritage Month. During this month, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. At K-State, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization coordinates the annual month-long celebration that runs from September 15 to October 15.
Native American Heritage Month
Native American History Month is devoted to a celebration and recognition of the vast and rich contributions of indigenous people. Created in 1990, Native American Heritage Month affirms the beauty and richness of the various indigenous groups, educates the general populace, and continues to advocate for dignity and respect for the first peoples. At K-State, Native American Heritage Month is coordinated by NASA, the Native American Student Association.
Asian American Heritage Month
Asian American Heritage Month was established in 1990 to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and traditions of persons of Asian descent. Coordinated by AASU, the Asian American Student Union, this month-long celebration educates the general campus and Manhattan community about the Asian American culture, and it strengthens the identities of and communities of Asians on the K-State campus.
Multicultural Graduation Ceremony
The Multicultural Graduation Ceremony is sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association and is designed to give multicultural graduates and their families a time to celebrate the incomparable achievement of their sons and daughters. The program features greetings from the Alumni Association President, the Associate Provost for Diversity, the Chair of the Multicultural Alumni Council, and others. Awards are given to the most outstanding multicultural graduates and certificates are given to all graduates. This program personalizes and recognizes the remarkable achievements of these young people in a more intimate setting before the university's graduation ceremony the following day.
KAWSE Program
The K-State Office for the Advancement of Women in Science and Engineering works to increase the participation, retention and advancement of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The office serves as home of the ADVANCE, SUCCEED, EXCITE! and GROW programs.
Tilford Group
The K-State Tilford Group is a research and development "think tank" consisting of interdisciplinary faculty, administrators, staff and students who work together to develop a multicultural curriculum model that enhances and promotes cultural competence.
Kansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KS-LSAMP)
The Kansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (KS-LSAMP) is a National Science Foundation program that assists colleges and universities in diversifying the workforce entering science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, in part, by supporting institutions’ efforts to increase the numbers of students that successfully complete baccalaureate degrees in these fields.
Diversity for Community Committee - College of Education
The College of Education is committed to diversity in the broadest sense of the term. This committee demonstrates the consistency and permanency of the College's commitment to diversity, caring and ethics all of which are part of the vision and mission of the College of Education. The purpose of the Diversity for Community Committee is to address matters pertaining to diversity issues and to provide/support programs which advance diversity in the college and campus-wide.
President's Commission on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (PCDEIB)
The PCDEIB is the senior-most advisory body on issues of diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusive excellence at Kansas State University.
The President's Commission on Gender Equity (PCGE)
The PCGE is the senior-most advisory body on issues affecting administrators, faculty, staff, and students of all gender identities at K-State. Current subcommittees include professional development, communications and outreach, and family leave. A consistent voice for the empowerment of those who identify with all genders and equity, the PCGE seeks a gender inclusive environment.
Diversity Point People
Each academic college has designated a Diversity Point Person, or DPP, to provide insight and guidance, seeking to advance diversity and inclusion across campus. Additionally, DPPs can answer questions about diversity policies or serve as a resource in a variety of arenas.
