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Rally '06 aims to further diversity through arts

Kristen Vliet

An organization at Miami University wants to get students moving - toward diversity on campus.

MUvement, a group created in spring 2005, is hosting a peaceful rally hoping decrease stereotypes and promote student dialogue about diversity from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 30, on Central quad.

With performances by Miami University Dance Theatre, The Misfitz, a Step Show, the Walking Theatre Project and Miami University Gospel Singers, RALLY '06 will showcase its mission through the arts.

"(MUvement) is a social forum to create an environment that is inclusive, rather than exclusive," said senior Justin Rifis, president of MUvement. "(It) opens one to the insensitivity and unnecessary actions that take place on this campus."

RALLY '06 will bring together groups such as Association of Latin and American Students, Hillel, Associated Student Government, Spectrum and the Asian American Association, among others.

MUvement was created following the death of John T. Petters, a Miami student who died in Italy over his spring break in 2004. Petters had shared his concern about the lack of diversity on campus with Teresa Tolentino, a Miami Spanish instructor. Petters explained to her his vision of creating a more diverse campus where minorities would feel welcomed.

Following Petters' death, Tolentino decided to continue the dream they had discussed.

Tolentino approached the university about starting an organization, and Miami insisted that before such an organization could be formed, student interest needed to be present.

In an attempt to organize the interest she knew was present at Miami, Tolentino shared Petters' dream and story to numerous students and faculty.

Rifis was one of these students.

"We have to get the message across to people who don't care (about diversity)," Rifis said.

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Rifis notes the "utterly prevalent" discrimination on campus, but said that it is too deeply rooted for the administration to be able to deal with it alone.

By hosting RALLY '06, MUvement hopes to attract students who are interested in these issues, and to address those who do not acknowledge this as a problem on campus.

"(RALLY '06 is a way to) give the message a voice," Tolentino said.

She acknowledges the large portion of the student population who recognize the lack of diversity at Miami, and welcomes those students to participate in RALLY '06.

"I think it would be wonderful if the image of the students who are understanding and empathetic and willing to grow could be seen by the community," Tolentino said. "We need to be allies to everyone on that campus that's ever (been) hurting."