Our opinion: TVCC event boasts forward-thinking
Saturday, October 10, 2009 11:01 PM PDT
A local college boasts a number of different goals. Most, obviously, revolve around education and furnishing learning alternatives to a wide range of people.
But higher centers of learning should also be trigger points for debate and discussion.
Treasure Valley Community College fit that role quite nicely this weekend with its “Explorations in Diversity.”
The event, which kicked off Friday, was held on TVCC’s campus and was designed to encourage thoughtful debate and awareness regarding all aspects of diversity.
In a real sense, the college created a platform to push the discussion forward with students and community members.
The event included cultural presentations and exhibits and also featured performances by the Toei Kai Japanese Dancers, and area restaurants furnished a wide variety of food items tied to a different culture.
One of the great things about boasting a local college is an event like Explorations in Diversity. It is one reason our community is so lucky to have a college like TVCC, literally, in our backyard.
This area has a proud heritage of cultural diversity, and this event sponsored by TVCC symbolizes that heritage.
For example, during the darkest days of World War II, much of this nation, fueled by suspicion and fear, locked up thousands of Japanese Americans because of concerns they would hurt the war effort.
In Malheur County, however, officials and residents, instead of focusing on fear, opened their arms to the Japanese community and welcomed them.
TVCC, with this event, reflects that community heritage admirably.
This is, and was, a positive event that again shows why TVCC has evolved into one of the most forward-thinking and successful institutions in our valley.
Our view is based on the consensus opinions of the Argus Observer editorial board. Members of the board are Publisher John Dillon, Editor Pat Caldwell, News Editor Jessica Keller and community member Ken Hart, Ontario
