Buford dialogue series

By: Olivia Wile, Editor
Twitter: o_wile
Email: wileo@findlay.edu

The Buford Center for Diversity and Service provides many resources for the University of Findlay. As it is home to three different offices, Intercultural Student Services, International Education, and Service and Community Engagement, the Buford Center satisfies a variety of needs. Combined, the offices offer exchange, internship, scholars, service, and general study abroad programs.

The Buford Center also puts on a wide variety of programs throughout the year. One of which is the Buford Dialogue series. Director of Intercultural Student Services, Robert E. Braylock, Pharm.D., RPh explains what the program is all about.

“The Buford Dialogue is a monthly program that provides an opportunity for members of the UF community to engage in meaningful discussion and be exposed to various current events and societal issues, as well as hear different perspectives about them,” Braylock explains. “In a time of political and social polarization, it’s increasingly important to provide a space for civil discourse.”

The program was established in the spring of 2015. Since then, different topics of discussion have been selected each month. Some of last year’s discussions were the media’s impact on the presidential election, human trafficking and slavery, the state of education in America, and gender equality.

This year, the first Buford Dialogue will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12. It will be held at the Buford Center for Diversity and Services located on 1222 N. Cory St. from 12p.m. to 1 p.m. The theme of the discussion will revolve around the events Charlottesville, Va. while bringing awareness to such acts happening close to campus.

Dr. Braylock explains that the Buford Dialogue is open to University of Findlay students, faculty, staff, and administrators. He emphasizes the Dialogues provide a safe space to engage in difficult conversations and potentially challenge perspectives.

“Too often, we don’t think critically about why we respond the way we do to certain people, situations, and systems,” Braylock says. “By having a safe space to do this, we believe we’re contributing to a more thoughtful, civically engaged, global-minded UF community, and hopefully society.”

For additional information on the upcoming Buford Dialogue, view the flyer provided.