Oct. 18, 2007 – The University of Utah announced today an ambitious lineup of diversity related educational forums to be presented this fall. The forums seek to examine key issues of race, identity, politics, and social justice in an ever-changing, increasingly diverse state and nation.  Presenters are renowned scholars and authors from across the nation. “We are pleased to be able to present these diversity educational forums as a part of the university’s ongoing commitment to enhance the educational experiences and success of our entire university community,” said University President, Michael K. Young. Octavio Villalpando, Associate Vice President for Diversity, adds, “Our diversity educational forums are designed to provide opportunities for all university students to engage in meaningful conversations about equity and equality in our society.  For many of our students, these are topics that speak directly to their life experiences.”

The diversity educational forums are sponsored by the University of Utah Office for Diversity, Center for Ethnic Student Affairs (CESA), the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU), College of Social Work, and Student Affairs and will be held on campus.

October 19	10am	Dr. David Stovall, “Current Politics for the N- word” University of Illinois-Chicago, Dept. of Education, Policy Studies	Panorama East Union
October 22	Noon	Dr. Audrey Thompson, “Nervous Wh*te Laughter: How Cross-Race Humor Challenges Complacency”  U of U Dept of Education, Culture & Society	Panorama East Union
	2 pm	Dr. Frank Wu, “The Future of Civil Rights” Author & Dean, Wayne State University Law School	Social Work Auditorium
October 25	Noon	Dr. Randall Kennedy, author of Nigger: The Strange Career Of a Troublesome Word, Reception & book signing to follow	Union Ballroom
	12:15 pm	Panel discussion: “American Indian Perspectives:Do you have a copyright to say racial things?”	OSH Auditorium
October 29	10 am	Dr. David Lee & Stir Fry Seminars “Internalized Racism & Cross Cultural Conversation” Film presentation: Walking Each Other Home	Union Den
October 30	3 pm	Panel discussion: “When Did You First Know You Were White”	Union Den
November 1	1:30 pm	Dr. Laurence Parker, “Students of Color as Activist Scholars”  Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	OSH Auditorium

 

Dr. David Stovall’s scholarship investigates the intersection of race, class, and gender in education. Dr. Frank Wu is the author of Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White. He uses personal stories, data, and historical examples to layout a framework intended to aid the nation in progressing toward a diverse democracy. Dr. David C. Lee is a licensed psychologist and attorney who has performed diversity trainings across the country since 1992. Dr. Audrey Thompson is a professor of Philosophy of Education and Gender Studies at the University of Utah specializing in the Social Foundations of Education. Dr. Laurence Parker’s research focuses on educational leadership and diversity, education law and teacher testing, and diversity and evaluation. Dr. Randall Kennedy is a professor at Harvard Law School, and has been described as “one of the country’s most compelling and bold commentators on race in America.”

The Office of the Associate Vice President for Diversity is charged with ensuring that historically underrepresented students, faculty, and staff have access to and benefit from all educational experiences and professional opportunities available to all members of our university community.  The Office for Diversity has oversight responsibility for the Ethnic Studies Program, Gender Studies Program, the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, the American Indian Resource Center, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center and other related student support services.