History of the DPD Program
Founding
Because of the incidents of discrimination and harassment had heightened tensions among various groups at OSU during Fall Term 1990, on November 3, concerned students delivered a letter to then OSU President John Byrne asking for action. One of the student proposals requested that the university develop a mandatory course for undergraduate students that would focus on cultural and ethnic diversity, as well as various forms of discrimination and their origins.
President Byrne responded on November 8, 1990 by setting into motion a lengthy and labor-intensive process involving discussion with many OSU students and faculty groups about the creation of such a course. The result of the exchanges culminated in the formation of the DPD Program, as approved by the OSU Faculty Senate, in 1992. The Program's mandate is to aid faculty in developing a number of classes that address issues of diversity and discrimination. By Fall, 1994 enough DPD courses were in place for the DPD requirement to become a part of the Baccalaureate Core for all incoming first-year students.
1994 - Present
The DPD Program fulfills its mandate by making course development training and resources available to OSU faculty. In addition, DPD sponsors a range of activities, including local/national guest speakers and noon brown bag seminars, that encourages participants to engage each other in stimulating and lively exchanges about issues of diversity and equity.