After the announcement that keynote speaker Nadine Strossen, president of the American Civil Liberties Union, could not attend last night's Diversity Days event, the crowd of more than 200 people quickly diminished to about 150.
The audience was told that Strossen was suddenly called away to protest a proposal by Alabama's governor to implement the Ten Commandments into the state's school system.
The event continued despite Strossen's absence, as the audience turned its attention to speaker and acclaimed diversity expert Greer Dawson Wilson, the director of Newcomb Hall and University Union at the University of Virginia.
Just before the announcement of Strossen's absence, the audience was welcomed to the Power Center event by 58 Greene, a 12-student a capella singing group.
Wilson greeted the audience with "good evening." When there was no response, she repeated herself and audience members answered.
The focus of Wilson's speech centered around what she called "making a human connection."
"People with power have got to share and make a significant difference and they have to connect. If they don't, then we are all in trouble," Wilson said.
Wilson began her talk with her personal interpretation of diversity.
"I'm talking about bringing people together of all races and religions and ideas," Wilson said.
She told students that they need to be prepared for the diverse workforce of the next century.
"If you're not prepared for your boss to look like me or for you boss to be in a wheelchair then you're not going to have a job," Wilson said.
Before the opening of the Power Center auditorium, the lobby was lined with about 30 different student group informational tables. The tables included the Muslim Students Association's Islamic Jeopardy game and the Indian Student Association's computer display of Indian cultural contributions. The Hong Kong Students' Association was also among the groups that participated.
HKSA Cultural Secretary, LSA first-year student Louis Shan, said it was important for students to know about Hong Kong's history.
"It is a special place," Shan said. "It is the last place in the world to be controlled by another country."
The audience was diverse in itself, including everyone from University students to community members.
LSA sophomore Jeff Su said he enjoyed Wilson's speech because she touched on issues he could related to.
"I thought it was good that in order to cooperate with others you have to meet others by giving of yourself in order to cooperate with them better," Su said.
Other members of the audience said they came to the lecture to gain insight on diversity issues.
Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission director Michael Koen said he came in search of new strategies and ideas involving diversity.
"I came because a lot of my life is wrapped up in these issues," Koen said. "I don't know all the solutions so I keep looking for solutions."
Koen said he did not agree with one of the aims of Diversity Days.
"I agree with (Wilson's) remarks but I disagree with (one) objective of it to encourage tolerance and harmony," Koen said, adding that people should accept, rather than merely tolerate, diversity. "It shows also the people who are putting this on still have some learning to do."
Wilson advised crowd members not to be afraid to talk with people who are different than themselves.
"You can certainly try to take a the risk and not be afraid," Wilson said.
In her final point, Wilson told the audience that "diversity means fairness. It does not mean one size fits all."
The event was concluded with a play entitled "That's What I Think" written and directed by LSA sophomore Amit Vaidya.
JOHN KRAFT/Daily
Greer Dawson Wilson, the director of Newcomb Hall and University Union at the University of Virginia, speaks at the Power Center last night about diversity issues.