“Unity in Diversity” week, which runs through Oct. 1, is set aside to recognize the varying cultures and religions on campus with educational seminars and workshops.

The phrase “Unity in Diversity” originated in a statement presented to NIU President John LaTourette by the Baha’i Club in 1986.

Club President Nan Wolgel said, “In October of 1986, we presented a statement called the ‘Promise of World Peace,’ in which ‘Unity in Diversity’ was used. Unity is the central focus of the Baha’i faith; we believe that all religions have a common base.”

“Unity in Diversity” was altered to “Unity through Diversity” on the winning poster in last year’s poster contest. Sharon Ainger of the Student Activities Office said, “The artist accidentally put ‘Unity through Diversity,’ but it is properly known as ‘Unity in Diversity.'”

This year’s winning poster depicts cut-out dolls holding hands, each representing a different race. Similar stand-up dolls are located in the Martin Luther King Memorial Commons near the Holmes Student Center.

The statement which included the phrase “Unity in Diversity” was composed by the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing body of the Baha’i faith, which is located in Haifa, Israel on Mount Carmel.

Wolgel said, “The Baha’i faith accepts, just as Judaism preceded Christianity, a natural progression (that) as humanity advances, we understand more.

“‘Unity in Diversity’ is a belief involving principles consisting of the equality of men and women, harmony between science and religion, compulsory education, and recognition of the oneness of humanity.”

The Baha’i Club will have an informational meeting titled, “Introduction to the Baha’i Faith” at 7 p.m. Friday in the Holmes Student Center, room 306. The meeting is intended to clear up any misconceptions of the faith.