Washington College

Office of Multicultural Affairs

About the Office

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Mission

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is committed to creating an inclusive environment essential for all students’ cultural development and academic success. We serve as the principal department for increasing awareness of social justice, promoting multicultural competence and embracing diversity. The office serves as a support system for historically underrepresented students to foster a sense of belonging, academic achievement and retention, and assist in leadership development.

Message from the Director of Multicultural Affairs

"Listen, validate, respect, appreciate, share, reflect, grow, learn, suspend belief, empathize, and recognize that what you think about a person does not reflect him/her, but your own belief system." —unknown.

This quote reflects what the office of multicultural affairs at Washington College is committed to accomplish through cultural exploration, programming, and dialogue. OMA works closely with students, faculty, staff, parents, and the alumni to heighten campus awareness and understanding of diversity.

We recognize and value the uniqueness of each person at Washington College and what they contribute to the community. OMA encourages students to engage in meaningful dialogues in the classroom, residence halls, student groups, athletics, and the arts. Celebrating and valuing individual beliefs will allow: "Our graduates to acquire knowledge and learn skills that will help them thrive in a culturally diverse world." — Washington College Diversity Statement.

I extend an open invitation for you to visit The Office of Multicultural Affairs which is located on the first floor of the Casey Academic Center. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 410-810-8466 or e-mail me at dparker2@washcoll.edu.

Best Wishes,
Darnell T. Parker, M.S.W.
Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs
410-810-8466 (Office)
410-810-7481 (Fax)

Heritage Months

Latino/a Hispanic Heritage Month — 9/15 - 10/15

Latino/a Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th. The Washington College community celebrates Latino/Hispanic cultures, achievements, and heritage through educational programs and events.

GLBT Heritage Month — October

The month of October was chosen to celebrate gay and lesbian history in order to commemorate the anniversaries of the first two gay and lesbian marches on Washington. The first march was in October 1979, and drew over 200,000, and the second in October 1987, which drew over 500,000 and had the first public viewing of the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt.—Bucknell University

Native American Heritage Month- November

In November, Washington College celebrates the culture, achievements, and different heritages Native Americans.

Black History Month — February

Black History Month is a celebration of the achievements of African-American and African culture.

Women's History Month — March

Women's History Month began in 1987 when the National Women's History Project petitioned Congress to declare a month in which women are remembered and recognized for their accomplishments. —Bucknell University

Asian Pacific Heritage Month — May

The United States celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May. Due to the academic year, Washington College celebrates the heritage month in April.