Why is it important for journalists to be sensitive to issues that affect people out of the mainstream? Because an underlying principle of journalism is that we give voice to the voiceless, those who often don't have the means to have their stories told. It's an important responsibility.
In Montana we have a special responsibility to be cognizant of diversity issues. That's because this is not a very diverse state in terms of ethnicity. Look around you; most of us are white, many of us are middle class. What must it be like to be in the minority? Diversity, of course, isn't just about race. It can take the form of sexual orientation, religious persuasion, physical disability or any other situation that puts a person into the position of being part of a minority group.
On Oct. 28, a Thursday, UM will hold a Day of Dialogue about diversity. Events begin the evening before the day-long observance with a lecture on Oct. 27 by Professor Paul Lauren.
Here is the Day of Dialogue home page, with a link to the schedule of events, which run throughout the day. You must choose one event to cover. That story is due Friday, Oct. 29, in class.
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