Diversity Symposium Continues at Westminster College

Bob Roche and Lawrence Sampson of the Cleveland American Indian Movement will speak at a Diversity Symposium Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in Phillips Lecture Hall in Westminster College's Hoyt Science Resources Center.

Their presentation, "We're Not Your Indians Anymore," will focus on the issue of American Indian mascots for sports teams.

Roche, who is an Apache, has been active in the Cleveland American Indian Movement since its beginning in 1972 by Russell Means, and has established himself at the forefront of the Indian issues in Cleveland. He has appeared in PBS productions, and traveled abroad to raise awareness of the Indian socio-political struggle.

Sampson, who is a Delaware Eastern Band Cherokee, is an organizer and educator who has traveled the all over Indian communities, assisting them as they struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. He has spoken extensively on Indian issues, both domestically and internationally. Sampson has contributed to two published books, "Children of the Dragonfly" and the soon-to-be-released "Terrorist or Freedom Fighter? Reflections of the Liberation of Animals." He is also a board member of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.

This is the fourth in a series of Diversity Symposiums at Westminster College. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer DiLalla, assistant professor of English at Westminster College, at (724) 946-7351 or e-mail dilalljm@westminster.edu.

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