MyLU Insider

Diversity and Inclusion

Category: Diversity and Inclusion

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Among other initiatives, October is also recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the “Day of Unity” in October 1981 conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  

During DVAM, victim advocates, allied professionals, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, and the surrounding community come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence, celebrate the progress that has been made to end this epidemic, and connect with others working to create change.

Our campus is working together to create change through prevention and education efforts made by the Sexual Harassment and Assault Resources & Education (SHARE) through the year but recognizes October as an opportunity to stand together with the nation. Please see the list of event opportunities below to stand with us and SHARE against sexual violence. Questions regarding events and/or accommodation requests should be made directly to Sara Holtzman at holtzmas@Lawrence.edu. More information may be found on SHARE’s Website, the IDEAS Division Website, and on the LU Calendar.

October 5: Our Stories Are NOT Meant For Everyone
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Wriston Auditorium
Listen to President Carter and Title IX Coordinator Sara Holtzman, talk about survivor rights and the important to respect personal privacy.

October 10: The Clothesline Project
3-5 p.m. | Warch Campus Center
Stop by to decorate a t-shirt to increase awareness of the impact of interpersonal violence, to celebrate strength and resiliency, and to provide a means to break through the silence that often surrounds interpersonal violence.

October 17: DVAM Volleyball Game
7 p.m. | Alexander Gymnasium
Watch your fellow Lawrentians complete against Carrol College and learn more about Domestic Violence Awareness month in the process.

October 25: Take Back The Night
7-9 p.m. | Main Hall Green
Stand together to share and hear about personal experiences with sexual misconduct in the speak out, march with our community in solidarity to stop sexual violence, and learn more about sexual violence, signs and prevention with community and on-campus resources.

If you or someone you know would like to seek support please see the list of resources below, or look to the Equity and Title IX website for more information and resources.

Emergency Contacts

  • 911 – connection to immediate medical help and law enforcement
  • 988 – connection to immediate mental health help
  • 800-656-4673 – National Sexual Assault Hotline RAINN
  • 800-799-7233 – National Domestic Violence Hotline

On Campus Resources

CONFIDENTIAL SUPPORT: NOT Responsible Employees/mandated reporters

Counseling and medical staff available 8-12 and 1-4:30 pm: Call 920-832-6574 to schedule an appointment. Same-day appointments are available for urgent needs.

  • LU Counseling Line (24/7 access): 920-419-8167 
  • Deans of Spiritual & Religious Life: spiritual.religious.life@lawrence.edu 920-832-7167; 739 East Alton Street, 8-5, Mon-Fri
    • Rev. Terra Winston-Sage: 920-832-6947,

You may make a non-confidential report with Title IX Coordinator, Sara Holtzman by submitting a report online, calling 920-832-7496, stopping by Memorial Hall, room 100, or emailing holtzmas@lawrence.edu or titleix@larence.edu.

Additional on-campus non-confidential reporters include but are not limited to:

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration

8th Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration 2023
Main Hall Green
Monday, October 9 | 5-7 p.m.
Free and open to the public. All ages welcome.

Many cities and states across the United States have replaced the Columbus Day holiday with the official recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Lawrence University welcomes the entire Fox Cities community to join us in celebrating and learning about the many contributions of Indigenous people globally through song, dance, food, and local Native American guest speakers and Tribal Leaders.

Featuring:

  • Tribal Leaders:
    • Jon Greendeer, President of the Ho-Chunk Nation
    • Gena Kakkak, Chairwoman of the Menominee Nation
    • Dennis Kenote, Menominee Elder
  • Lawrence University President Laurie A. Carter.
  • Performances and Poster Creations by AASD Students
  • Pow-Wow Demonstration (Oneida Nation)
  • Woodland Indian Art, Inc.
  • Indian tacos available for purchase

Rain site: Buchanan Wellness Center Gym

Sponsored by:

  • Lawrence University I.D.E.A.S. Division, Diversity and Intercultural Center (D&IC)
  • Office of Student Engagement for Activities and Leadership (SEAL)
  • Lawrence University Native Alliance (LUNA)
  • Appleton Area School District Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department
  • Oneida Nation Tourism.

We collectively acknowledge that Lawrence University is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Menominee and Ho-Chunk people.

Student Food Pantry Introduces New Online Request System

Need Emergency Food, Hygiene, or School Supplies from the LU Student Food Pantry?

Our team is excited to announce their two new systems to access the Pantry!

1. Online

Students can submit an online request for a bag pick-up by selecting items they need through our new online request form. To access the form, students click the link on the Pantry’s main website page and complete the information and select the items that they are in immediate need of.

Once the submit button is sent, the request is sent to the Pantry team. When the order is ready, students will receive an email indicating that their bag (with an assigned number) is ready for a bag pick-up in the D&IC.

2. In person

Another way students can use the Pantry service is by stopping in the D&IC and complete an in-person form. Completed forms can then be dropped off in the drop off box. The Pantry team is on-site and available during walk-in hours between 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

The LU Student Food Pantry exists to provide assistance to students who need help. By accessing the Pantry, students affirm that their household genuinely needs assistance.

For anyone on campus who would like to continue supporting the Pantry, we are always looking for donations and collaborations to continue supporting our students. The Pantry is supported through the generosity of the community, local businesses, and personal donations of money and supplies. We continue to seek partners on and off campus who are willing to support our students.

Questions? Contact: diversitycenter@lawrence.edu

Hispanic Heritage Month

We invite our campus community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Each year, September 15-October 15, we joyously commemorate the histories, cultures, contributions, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latin Americans past and present.

In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson led the first observance of Hispanic Heritage Week, which was expanded to 30 days in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. Further, we celebrate the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua on September 15 and of Mexico on September 16.

This year’s theme, Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America, recognizes the leadership of Americans of Hispanic and Latinx ancestry in the economic, political, and social progress of the United States. As a campus community, we value inclusion and belonging and the celebration of each member of our Lawrence family. We are immeasurably appreciative for the contributions of Lawrentians of Hispanic/Latinx descent and stand in community and celebration this month and every month. Our celebration includes the following special activities:

Loteria: Mexican Bingo
Thursday, September 28 | 5-6:30 p.m.
Diversity Center
Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Alianza and The Diversity & Intercultural Center for a fun-filled night of Loteria (Mexican Bingo). We’ll have snacks, drinks for everyone, and of course prizes for the winners!

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Dinner
Saturday, October 7 | 5-7 p.m.
Andrew Commons

Arte y Antojos
Saturday, October 14 | 3-5 p.m.
Diversity Center
Various art projects and appetizers will be provided. Join us!

Noche de Gala
Friday, October 27 | 6 p.m.
Somerset Room – Warch Campus Center

2nd Annual Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month 5K

Friday, September 22 | 5:30-7 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Academy | 318 E Brewster St | Appleton, WI 54911

Lawrence University is a sponsor of this year’s Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month 5K! This is a free event to bring together community members to complete a non-competitive, joy-filled 5K event.

5 p.m. | Check-in opens onsite
5:30 p.m. | 5K begins
6 p.m. | Music from Nick the DJ | Food trucks onsite until 7 p.m.

Learn more and sign up!

Dr. Kenny E. Yarbrough Office Hours

This Fall Term, Dr. Kenny E. Yarbrough, Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Support Services (the IDEAS Division) will be hosting three office hour opportunities for students. During these office hours, we invite you to come have a causal conversation and discuss your experience at Lawrence. The goal of these office hours is to learn more about what we can do to support our diverse student body.

These office hours will be hosted at the Diversity & Intercultural Center.

  • Wednesday, September 20 | 3-5 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 12 | 10 a.m.-Noon
  • Tuesday, November 7 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

We hope to see you attend this term’s office hours!