CSUSB's Symposium on Race: Race and Diversity Discussed at CSUSB: Race and Race Relations Symposium:

Orphaned at a very young age and separated from his siblings as they were placed with various caregivers, Samuel Betances was not supposed to excel in school nor was he expected to make a difference in adulthood. Addressing an audience of nearly 200 at Cal State San Bernardino’s inaugural Symposium on Race and Race Relations on April 16, Betances engaged the audience on a sensitive subject using “repeat-after-me” instructions, real-life scenarios and humor. The symposium was an opportunity for residents of the Inland Empire to gather and listen to the dynamic Betances speak. It was co-sponsored by CSUSB’s University Diversity Committee and West Side Action Group of San Bernardino. A senior diversity consultant with Sauder, Betances & Associates Inc., the motivational speaker inspired the audience with his story of dropping out of school, growing up amidst violence and on welfare, and yet earning two graduate degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. “Demographic shifts require additional competencies in any organization,” said Betances. “Changes in population create tension in the organization that can result in conflicts and misunderstandings related to a 'cultural lag,' when diverse people don't know how to relate to each other functioning in new and dramatically different roles." CSUSB President Tomás Morales said in his welcome remarks that diversity is a core principle at Cal State San Bernardino, which guides every aspect of the university, from recruitment to teaching, to community outreach. “It is a way of life that we embrace and seek to promote through our day-to-day actions,” said Morales.“There is simply no place for prejudice, especially in colleges and universities, and I call on each of you to help stamp it out through meaningful dialogue and action.” The event included four breakout sessions led by experts in the field, which followed the keynote address. Each session generated active participation and discussion on the topics of: • Education: Dropouts and Discipline, led by Ray Culberson, director of youth services for the San Bernardino Unified School District; • Perceptions and Culture: Health and Unemployment, moderated by Diane Woods, research psychologist at UC Riverside; • Law Enforcement and Crime, led by Ron Cochran, assistant sheriff with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; and • Residential Segregation: Housing and Education, moderated by Louie F. Rodriguez, CSUSB professor of education and co-director of the doctoral program in educational leadership. • The event concluded with a panel session of the four experts recapping the main three issues discussed at each of their sessions along with suggestions for possible solutions. In his closing remarks, Morales said, “Addressing racial disparities requires intentional change by individuals, families, businesses, government and other community institutions. “Those who experience positive social interactions and interpersonal relationships with people of other races and cultures are more likely to value acceptance than those who have not had these experiences,” said Morales.