Cultural competency extends far beyond our understanding of how others grieve. (See also: Dealing With Tragedy in a Culturally Competent Way) It speaks to the necessity of actively learning more about groups outside your own culture. Most individuals who practice cultural competency aspire to be more aware, sensitive and proactive in utilizing their knowledge base.

How is cultural competency different than "political correctness"? Although the terms hold different meanings, they are related. Cultural competency is a growing understanding of one's own immediate culture in addition to other religious and racial ethnic groups. Political correctness, however, is a function of cultural competency because it suggests a level of respect and understanding of other groups.

We asked a handful of experts how corporate and academic institutions can help employees and students cope with tragedy in a culturally competent manner. The advice resonated with our readers.
 

Here's what some DiversityInc readers had to say:

I like what Linda Stokes, president of PRISM International, says about grieving and remembering the Amish response to their school shootings. During their time of grief, the Amish got out of themselves and their needs and reached out to care for the needs of others—how truly beautiful. Let us remember this example and care for all who need us, now and always. It shouldn't take a school shooting to move us to do so. 

—Byron (did not provide last name)

Thank you for the very thoughtful article on the importance of cultural competence in dealing with tragedy like the one at Virginia Tech. It's a good idea for all of us to think about these kinds of issues as we plan for our students' health and safety.

—Judy Sundayo

It is imperative that the campuses not only strive to reflect the world in which we live, but also implement a method for really understanding the history of many cultures. There should be monitoring, periodically, of students to make sure they are really "OK" with the challenges of life ... for some, college may be the only place they'll ever experience real caring before they are thrust out into the world. 

—Pam George

In these times I can't help but to wonder if we could prevent some of these incidents by confronting hatred on a larger scale. This may be an isolated incident, but hatred and violence have become commonplace, with different races against each other. Black-on-black violence has come to be expected and accepted in American society.  This fact could be sending the wrong message as well.  

—Jeff Woodard

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