By the Apache Editorial Staff

Several programs are being sponsored or co-sponsored by the Diversity Task Force in its effort to encourage tolerance and promote knowledge of diversity.

Scheduled events for the fall semester include:

- Natya Dance Theatre, Nov. 17

- Irish actor Neil O'Shea, Nov. 28

- Forum on Terrorism , Dec. 5

- Reality Theatre, Dec. 6

- Human Rights Day, Dec. 10

Spring semester events include a remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. in January, events recognizing Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March, a presentation by motivational speaker Jean Driscoll on March 5, the Day of Writing on March 15 and Cinco De Mayo (May 5) celebrations.

Jerry Corcoran, co-chair of the Task Force, said the programs were selected in several ways. The Natya Dance Theatre and Neil O'Shea's show were requested by Giacomo Leone, chair of the humanities and fine arts division, on behalf of his division and the Illinois Arts Council.

The Reality Theatre and Jean Driscoll presentations were requested by Fitness Center Director Tony Ruda and the Focus on Fitness Club.

"This is an example where groups can come together for a common goal and everyone benefits," Corcoran said.

The Forum on Terrorism will feature instructors Stephen Charry, Amanda Bigelow, Merri Mattison, Gil Meyer, Dr. Robert Abele and Dr. Mary Prentice who participated in a discussion about the Sept. 11 terrorist attack the day after the event.

"Since (the instructors) did such a fine job in leading students and staff in a discussion on the Sept. 11 tragedy, the committee thought a follow-up forum on terrorism to be held in December would be a nice segue to Human Rights Day," Corcoran said.

At press time, the Task Force was sponsoring discussions on Native American rights, also featuring Charry, Bigelow and Mattison. These presentations were organized as a result of the College Board having voted to abandon the Apache as a mascot. Students will be voting on a new mascot name Nov. 15 and 16, with a recommendation to go to the College Board at its Nov. 20 meeting.

Charry said, "It is my hope that these forums provide students and the IVCC community with a context for better understanding why the change is necessary."

The Diversity Task Force is co-chaired by Jill Urban-Bollis and Paula Hallock. Members are students Ben Hartenbower and Lisa Twardowski, faculty members Kim Abel, Bruce Hartman, Pat Cole, Charry, Bigelow and Mattison and staff members Margaret Allen and Dr. Bob Marshall.