"The idea of a center that would promote an appreciation of diversity, its enrichment of the University of Virginia, its implications for our country and the world, its advantages, and its challenges has been raised periodically at U.Va. over the last 30 years.

The Class of 1996 created the idea of a Center for Cultural Fluency. The request for a center was reinforced by a task force in 1997-98 and by subsequent discussions about the future expansion of Newcomb Hall that often included a recommendation for a multi-cultural center. In 2002-2003, the Minority Rights Coalition proposed the renovation of Newcomb Informal Lounge to create a Diversity Resource Center as a safe and empowering space for minority students and an educational hub for the whole University.

As part of its mission, Kaleidoscope hopes to provide "opportunities for the University of Virginia community to learn, examine, and discuss differences and commonalities as a means of deepening our understanding and appreciation for each unique individual. Collaborative programming by organizations, KALEIDOSCOPE-sponsored events, and casual lounge nights provide a common ground from which to discuss and debate social, political, economic foundations of cultural realities and how they shape perspectives and experiences both at the University and within the broader community.

Offerings coming up include an ECAASU 2004 Conference at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 27th at 7 p.m.; Lounge Nite at 7 pm on Monday March 1st (sponsored by College Republicans and NOW); Celebration of Teas of the Word at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2nd; a Roundtable Discussion of Identity with Pablo Davis on Wednesday, March 3rd; a viewing of Mississippi Burning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23rd, with a discussion with Asst. Professor Kent Germany following the film; and a discussion of Global Health and Human Rights from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24th with Breyette Lorntz.

For more information, contact the office at 434-924-3203. The space may be reserved by: student organizations, fraternities and sororities, special status and agency organizations, and University Departments. Reservations for Kaleidoscope should be made with the Newcomb Hall Reservations Office on the Fourth Floor of Newcomb Hall (reservenewcomb@virginia.edu).