History of the UF Division of Student Affairs | Page 87

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Multicultural & Diversity
Affairs
Multicultural & Diversity Affairs promotes an inclusive campus community by
creating environments in which students learn about themselves and diverse
others, engage in meaningful inter- and intra-cultural dialogue, and enhance
their leadership and commitment to social justice.
Multicultural & Diversity Affairs educates, empowers, and mobilizes students,
campus and community partners, and creates cutting edge programs and
opportunities in the areas of multicultural education, self-awareness, advocacy,
intercultural understanding, and social justice with a commitment toward
creating an inclusive, affirming and just campus community.
The roots of Multicultural & Diversity Affairs can be traced to when the Center
for Latin American Studies was established in 1930, and the Chinese Club was
created in 1948. The Institute of Black Culture was established in 1971 under
the Dean of Students Office and later an Assistant Dean for Minority Affairs
was added in the 1980s. In 1994, the Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures was
added. In 2002, the Dean of Students Office developed Multicultural & Diversity
Affairs to support all students and to unify diversity efforts. Five areas fall under
the umbrella of this department: the Institute of Black Culture; the Institute of
Hispanic-Latino Cultures; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Affairs; Asian
Pacific Islander American Affairs; and Intercultural Engagement. The history of
Multicultural & Diversity Affairs lies within the histories of each area.
I n s t i t u t e o f B l a c k C u lt u r e
In April 1971, the Black Student Union (BSU) submitted a list of demands to then
president, Stephen O’Connell, calling for a number of programs and initiatives
to improve the campus climate for Black students. The BSU leaders argued
that many Black students were “excluded from meaningful social and cultural
endeavors on this campus” and were in need of supportive resources. A Black
Cultural Center was one of the student demands.
When the UF administration failed to act upon the student demands, a number of
student protests and demonstrations were held, culminating in the occupation

Depa rtment histor ies : multicultur al & diver sity affai rs