The USI Center for Social Justice Education will host a guest speaker to talk about cultural diversity from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 18 in the Education Center room 1101.

Lane Simpson, a Crow Agency, Mont., native, is a tribal representative for the Crow nation and a professor of human service at Little Big Horn College. Simpson will give a talk on culture diversity with a meet-and-greet reception to follow. Simpson and other faculty members will be on hand to engage, discuss and have an open dialogue with all who attend.

The event is meant to raise the awareness of USI’s student body to issues related to cultural diversity and social justice not just within the local area, but nationally and even internationally, said Jay Dickerson, Center for Social Justice Education Director.

“Bringing (Simpson) in from the Crow nation is our first step in trying to establish a relationship with the first American population and the Crow nation in Montana and hopefully bridge that gap,” Dickerson said.

It is the responsibility of the professors, the educators, the staff, the faculty and the center for social justice to bring awareness to the students that it is more than just what we look like and what our neighbors look like. We have to become globally aware of who is out there and the adversity they face, said Dickerson.

The event is sponsored by the Center for Social Justice Education with support through the College of Liberal Arts. Liberal Arts Dean Michael Aakhus supported these initiatives through administration support and some financial support Dickerson said.

“For (Simpson) to come here and share that with us is an incredible opportunity for students, faculty (and) staff to learn something about a very interesting people,” said Tom Bordelon, College of Liberal Arts assistant dean.

The event is free to the public. A reception will follow, catered by local Evansville dining establishment Kirby’s Private Dining.

For more information, contact the Center for Social Justice Education or visit its Facebook page facebook.com/USICenterForSocialJusticeEducation.