Many universities, including POSTECH, are now trying to realize social values in their communities, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). One of the efforts POSTECH has made to promote DEI values is establishing the Diversity Council. The Diversity Council held its first open event called “Write Night” on May 13, after its establishment in the same year.

In the “Write Night” event, participants were able to voice their opinions and thoughts on DEI issues on campus by writing answers to the questions provided in the event. Each answer was kept anonymous in order to provide a comfortable environment for participants to freely express their thoughts on questions. These questions included topics like “What is one thing that would make POSTECH more inclusive,” “What could students, faculty, or the university do together to promote DEI,” and “Have you experienced any barriers on campus?” A question about the diversity council was also shared.

Sara KABOUR (IBIO, MS candidate), an international student who participated in the event, shared her thoughts about the event and the DEI issues on campus.

What motivated you to participate in this event?

As a foreigner I often discuss with my friends, who are also students at POSTECH, about the barriers and struggles we face sometimes. So, when I heard about the Diversity Council, I thought that it would be a great place to share my experience and that of my friends.

What is the one thing that you think POSTECH should work on regarding DEI issues?

I think everyone has a different experience based on their religion, ethnicity, and other groups they belong to, in facing discrimination—so I may not be aware of every single thing that people are going through here. Therefore, I think one thing that they can do is familiarize themselves with the problems that students are facing. Understanding the problems that exist comes first because we cannot solve problems if we are not aware of them, or do not understand them.

What do you think the school or community could do to make the environment more comfortable for people to talk about their difficulties or barriers they experience?

Having a diversity council is one thing we can do: People can come here and share their experience in a comfortable and safe space and that is how the school and community could familiarize themselves with the problems that actually exist.

It may be hard for people (who face difficulties) to speak up and they may want to stay private, so an event like this, which allows them to write down their stories, suggestions for change and improvement as well as the difficulties they face is a good idea to facilitate communication and hopefully get the school to address these issues.

The Diversity Council plans to work further on DEI issues, along with the school and its communities.