The Norman Transcript

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Discussion

January 12, 2009

City sets public discussion on inclusive community

For The Transcript

Is Norman an inclusive community?

Do all of our citizens feel respected and represented in the business, education and social sectors?

Are we as a community taking advantage of the economic and social opportunities represented by diversity?

Students, faculty, staff and residents of Norman are invited to respond to these questions and address other related issues at a public meeting sponsored by the University of Oklahoma, the City of Norman, and the Norman Chamber of Commerce 6:30 p.m Feb. 3 in the Oklahoma Memorial Union. The meeting will be open to the public and all interested community members are invited and encouraged to attend.

Local representatives of the National Issues Forum and members of the City of Norman Human Rights Commission will assist with the meeting.

"What we hope to provide again at this second Inclusive Community Discussion is a safe and respectful place for people to discuss whether we are a community that is genuinely open to the participation and opinions of all of our residents," said Mayor Cindy Rosenthal, a member of the OU faculty. "A central goal is to identify those areas where we can make Norman a more welcoming community."

Some of the issues to be discussed are public safety, transportation, housing, employment and economic opportunity.

"There is perhaps no better way to recruit and retain the world's best students, faculty and staff than committing ourselves to building and sustaining an inclusive community. I am honored OU can host this critical dialogue," said Dr. Chris Howard, Vice President for Strategic -- Leadership Initiatives at OU.

Parking will be available at no charge in the Union Parking Garage. Participants will also be allowed to park in the reserved lot just east of McCasland Field House and the commuter lot located between Jenkins and Monnett. Both of these lots can be accessed from Jenkins.

The commuter and multipurpose lots at Jenkins and Brooks also will be available, and the metered spaces along Asp and on Felgar Street in front of Oklahoma Memorial Union do not need to be paid after 5 p.m.

For more information or to attend, call 366-5404.

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