Students hosted the first Bucknell Community Dinner of the semester on Sept. 16 in Hunt Formal. The dinner discussion was focused on recent events in Ferguson, Mo. and the role that this conflict plays in the campus community.

Ferguson, Mo. made headlines this summer in the wake of the death of Michael Brown, a young African American man. Brown, who was shot and killed by a police officer, was found to be unarmed. The controversial circumstances surrounding this case and its associated issues of prejudice sparked national interest. The University has been active in the Ferguson conversation so far this semester with discussion events like the Bucknell Community Dinner.

“I would like to thank all of the students, faculty, and staff who came out and showed their support for not only this event, but the cause behind it; because that is what was, and still is, most important,” Danielle Taylor ’17, one of the hosts at the dinner, said.

Bucknell Community Dinners are a monthly initiative by the President’s Diversity Council to encourage open conversation about culture and inclusion. Student groups can propose relevant topics and act as hosts for the dinner. These groups can be student organizations or involved individuals coming together to support a common area of interest. Student hosts are responsible for planning and actively participating in the conversation as well as inviting members of the campus community. Future Community Dinners are planned for Oct. 21 and Nov. 18 with discussion topics to be decided.