Pennsylvania Welcomes & Celebrates Diversity
Higher education institutions and organizations help enrich the state’s cultural landscape.
The Keystone State is home to people from every corner of the world, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to live and do business.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Pennsylvania‘s population is as varied as it is numerous. Its Latino community has seen significant growth, reaching more than 1 million residents in 2020, its African American community has a significant presence, and if you delve into the ancestral history of the state, you’ll find a rich tapestry of heritage, including German, Irish and Italian roots. This beautiful mix of cultures has helped mold Pennsylvania into what it is today, and the state is working to continue to improve opportunities for all and honor its residents’ backgrounds. Read on to learn more about how Pennsylvania welcomes and celebrates diversity.
Pennsylvania Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
The state’s eclectic population is perhaps best reflected in its top-tier universities, such as Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and Lehigh University in Bethlehem. These academic powerhouses draw students from across the globe. The Office of Multicultural Affairs at Lehigh University and Carnegie Mellon’s Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion are just two examples of higher education’s commitment to fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs works to promote diversity, equity and inclusion on campus through cultural celebrations and events, leadership development programs, diversity training and workshops, and mentorship and support programs for underrepresented students. The university was recently awarded its fifth consecutive Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by Insight Into Diversity, which shines a spotlight on colleges and universities that go above and beyond in their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Over the past few years, the university has made a great deal of progress toward creating an inclusive campus environment,” Donald Outing, Lehigh University’s vice president for equity and community, said in an article published by the university.
Lehigh University welcomes more than 1,000 students from 82 countries, and 34% of students are minorities or people of color. These students contribute to the cultural diversity of the community and economy.
“Multiple studies have shown that diversity is essential for business success,” Outing says. “Companies with more diverse workforces – including all aspects of diversity – are stronger financially and experience more positive corporate cultures. Lehigh is part of the fabric of the South Bethlehem community and Greater Lehigh Valley. We know the future we make together is better than the one we make alone.”
Pennsylvania Raises the Rainbow Flag
Pennsylvania’s efforts to celebrate and promote diversity extend far beyond academics. The Office of the Attorney General’s Cultural Connection Committee works to celebrate inclusivity and promote fairness, while the Pennsylvania Diversity Council serves as a resource for diversity best practices and leadership development.
The Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown offers innovative programs, services and experiences for LGBTQ+ individuals through connection, education, culture and healing.
“We envision a community that demands equity and creates a pathway for LGBTQ+ people to thrive and experience queer joy,” says Ashley Coleman, the center’s executive director. “Our programs not only help community members to create connections with one another, but also to maintain and grow those connections. We create experiences that educate our LGBTQ+ siblings, give them a space to heal and allow them to celebrate their culture.”
The organization’s LGBTQ+ Education Institute provides training on understanding foundational terminology of gender and sexuality, developing approaches to LGBTQ+ inclusion, combating biases and assumptions of the LGBTQ+ community, and confronting the roots of anti-LGBTQ+ oppression.
“We also recognize the importance of equipping the future of our community with the skills they need to succeed in a world that was not built for them, so our center does a lot of outreach with youth,” Coleman says.
Pennsylvania is United in Differences
Diversity is not just welcomed in Pennsylvania – it’s celebrated. From Pittsburgh’s inaugural International Day Parade to the annual Cultural Celebration Day, an event hosted by the Peace Islands Institute Pennsylvania, the state is alive with festivities that honor its diverse populace.
“One of our significant events is our Cultural Celebration Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg, an annual event exemplifying unity in diversity,” says M. Said Selmanlar, executive director of the Peace Islands Institute Pennsylvania. “It’s a vibrant gathering where people from various cultures, backgrounds and walks of life come together and celebrate the rich tapestry of human heritage.”
The institute also partners with schools and universities to organize workshops and seminars that address social challenges and encourage active engagement in problem solving. Selmanlar says these programs and events have been successful in encouraging diversity and intercultural collaboration, building resilience against societal challenges.
“Diverse workplaces and educational institutions are more adaptable and better equipped to respond to societal changes,” he says. “Moreover, embracing diversity contributes to a more inclusive society where every individual feels valued and empowered, leading to increased productivity and a higher quality of life.”
This article was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
