Diversity Lecture Series Delves into Perception and Reality

The Trinity community, always encouraging open discussions about diversity, invited three speakers to explore the topics of perception, reality, and reconciliation during the fall semester’s Diversity Lecture Series.

Jason Perry, pastor of outreach and discipleship for Living Springs Community Church and the president of Oak Tree Leadership, offered a biblical perspective on diversity at the first diversity lecture of the academic year in September. In his talk, “Moving the Discussion beyond Political Correctness, Legal Compliance, and Organizational Policy,” Perry emphasized that diversity should not be pursued apart from reconciliation.

The Diversity Lecture Series also welcomed Kathy Kinzer-Downs from the Coalition of Christian Outreach at Geneva College in Pennsylvania on October 20. In her presentation, Kinzer-Downs shared the various experiences of the students her office serves to illustrate the ways that people’s perceptions shape their realities. In our treatment of others, especially those different from ourselves, she advised loving people with the same fervor that we love God.

On November 17, Dr. David Brodnax, professor of history at Trinity, shared his findings from a survey of students he conducted on campus. Seeking feedback on the diversity of student groups—whether ethnic, denominational, or other—Brodnax asked students to write down their perceptions. Students also expressed their thought on the overall diversity of the campus. Brodnax noted that while some students found the campus to be diverse and others did not, the majority of students acknowledged the College’s commitment to diversity.