Speakers at the women’s studies minor program’s first discussion debated the definitions and impacts of diversity in the Charleston/Mattoon Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Janet Marquardt, women’s studies minor coordinator, led a panel in a discussion about defining what diversity is.

The panel consisted of Daiva Markelis, English professor; Mehdi Semanti, speech communication professor; Johnetta Jones of the Office of Minority Affairs; and Nida Elmunti, biological sciences professor. Each discussed their own ideas and experiences on diversity.

Markelis concentrated on linguistic diversity and its effects on America.

“There are many languages being spoke in America today. It is believed by some that speaking English makes you a citizen. If you speak another language, you are considered a threat,” Markelis said.

The other three panelists touched on diversity in culture and race.

“I am fair-complected, but when I speak, my accent is considered a threat,” Semanti said.

Some brought up how Sept. 11 changed American attitudes on diversity.

“I thought I understood diversity, but now I am confused. America is supposed to be a ‘melting pot,’ but I don’t feel it. I am Palestinian and after the Sept. 11 attacks, I didn’t feel American. People looked at me different because of my heritage; I felt like it was wrong for me to feel sadness or remorse,” Elmunti said.

Panelists spoke on the definition of diversity.

“Diversity is a funny word. ‘I’ll know it when I see it’ is a good way to describe it for some. We need to present an environment that will allow people who are diverse in many different areas to feel comfortable,” Jones said.