2014 Fall Diversity & Inclusion Summit

Alphonse Keasley
Chancellor Phil DiStefano
Jen Korbelik, City of Boulder
Magnolia Landa-Posas

When: 9:15-9:35 a.m.
Where: UMC 235

When: 9:35-10:35 a.m.
Where: UMC 235

In 1957, at age 14, Carlotta Walls LaNier was the youngest “Little Rock Nine” member to integrate Central High School. This act of courage and defiance became the catalyst for change in the American educational system and furthered civil rights in America. A sought-after lecturer, Mrs. LaNier speaks about the early days of race barriers being broken in the U.S. and continues the dialogue to present day race and diversity issues. In addition to her keynote address, Mrs. LaNier will participate in an additional session at the Summit. 

When: 10:35-11:05 a.m.
Where: UMC 235

What can Bruce Lee teach us about equality, justice, and inclusion in a globalizing world? The life and career of a martial artist and movie star seem to be unlikely subjects through which to ponder such weighty topics, yet Lee continually conquered barriers and defied impossibilities to become a global superstar, admired and recognized around the world. Far from being simply a Chinese martial artist, Lee was the product of longstanding flows that intermixed people and cultures across oceans and national boundaries. Studying his journey reveals how one remarkable individual crossed barriers, challenged racism, and drew upon multiple cultural heritages to become one of the world’s most enduring icons.

When: 11:05-11:15 a.m.
Where: UMC 235

Magnolia Landa-Posas, Paris Ferribee, and others

When: 11:20-12:20 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

The University of Colorado Boulder is admired for its iconic views of the towering flatirons, however, very few people know of the historical social justice movements that have transpired on these lands. Throughout many years, the flatirons have witnessed alternative critical movements to which non-dominant bodies have experienced violence, erasure and misrepresentation. Join student leaders of Oyate, Black Student Alliance and UMAS y MECHA as they present on both current and historical racism, exclusion, and their simultaneous activism and triumphs.

When: 11:20-12:20 p.m.
Where: UMC Gallery

Glenda Russell

When: 11:20-12:20 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

This workshop will focus on the use of brief videos to teach complex concepts related to campus climate, with a particular emphasis on implicit attitudes. The workshop will include an introduction to the implicit attitude model and its relevance to campus climate. We will then view three videos, each of which addresses aspects of campus climate in a brief, accessible, and non-blaming way. We will introduce empirically derived principles for countering misinformation. The workshop will conclude with a discussion among all participants about promising approaches to changing campus climate.

Magnolia Landa-Posas and Paris Ferribee

When: 11:20-12:20 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

The University of Colorado Boulder is admired for its iconic views of the towering flatirons, however, very few people know of the historical social justice movements that have transpired on these lands. Throughout many years, the flatirons have witnessed alternative critical movements to which non-dominant bodies have experienced violence, erasure and misrepresentation. Join student leaders of Oyate, Black Student Alliance and UMAS y MECHA as they present on both current and historical racism, exclusion, and their simultaneous activism and triumphs.

Oliver Gerland and Daniel Ramos

When: 11:20-12:20 p.m.
Where: UMC 457 (Dennis Small)

Four waves of civil rights activism led by people of color, women, people with disabilities, and GLBT people pulsed through U.S. culture during the late 20th c.  Three led to federal legislation with significant civil rights implications: the Civil Rights Act (1964); Title IX (1972); and the ADA (1990).  As yet, there is no sweeping federal civil rights legislation for GLBT people.  Why not?  Oliver Gerland analyzes the history of the ADA in order to disclose potentially useful practices for crafting GLBT federal civil rights legislation.  Daniel Ramos explains why state-level action might be preferred at the moment, and will provide updates on the legislative efforts of One Colorado, a state-wide advocacy group devoted to securing civil rights for GLBT people.

Ruth Ellen Kocher and Camille Dungy

When: 11:20-12:20 p.m.
Where: UMC 417

Black Female Full Professors represent an endangered population of academic writers on national university campuses. At our home institutions, the two presenters represent anywhere from 100% to 25% of the demographic of Black Female Full Professors in either our colleges or at the entirely of our campuses. We will discuss the crisis in academic mobility for Black Female Professors (who comprise only 2% of the national pool of Full Professors in all disciplines) through the lens of fine arts writing programs and the trend toward the ever increasing criterion by which Black Female Professors are deemed promotion-worthy. We hope that by discussing these issues that we collectively are better able to facility greater diversity and inclusion in the national population of Black Female Full Professors.

Hillary Potter

When: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

Heather Boronski and Gabriel Martinez

When: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

The Assembly for Sustainability and Equity (ASE) is a team of students working to raise awareness issues of environmental and climate justice on campus. In this student-led interactive workshop, we’ll introduce environmental justice, review ASE’s work and make some of the connections between sustainability and social justice—locally and globally.

George Rivera

When: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Where: UMC 225

This presentation is about art as a tool for activism. We will view and discuss art produced by the following:  racial and ethnic minority artists (Asian Americans, African Americans, Chicanos/Latinos, Native Americans, etc.), gay, lesbian and transgendered artists, feminist artists, ecologically/environmentally inspired artists, anti-war artists, and artists confronting consumer issues. Learn diversity through the perspective of artists

Staff Council Members Omaira Bankston, Sarah Douvres, and Greg Roers; CUSG: Juedon Kebede, and BFA Members

When: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Where: UMC 457 (Dennis Small)

This panel discussion will seek to educate the audience about what the various shared governance groups like CUSG, Boulder Staff Council, and Boulder Faculty Assembly do to educate and inspire staff, faculty and students on issues of diversity and inclusion. This workshop will help to explain how these groups work to create programs and information streams that can empower and transform individuals and departments to act as a catalyst for change on campus. The panelists will open up discussion and solicit audience ideas for how shared governance groups can help achieve these goals.

Graduate Student of Color Collective

When: 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

In the wake of multiple extrajudicial slayings of young men of color, graduate students of color across the country on predominantly white campuses like CU are feeling isolated, invisible and angry. Join us to give ‘witness’ to a conversation between several graduate students of color from CU explore these feelings and experiences, and ask the question, “In this time of Ferguson, does my degree even matter?”

Michelle Gabrieloff-Parish

When: 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

The term sustainability has only been used in the last few decades and yet for ages people have created amazing and innovative strategies to live “sustainably.” Simultaneously, the sustainability and environmental fields that have emerged in the last decades are lagging behind the business sector when it comes to diversity. A perception has emerged that being “green” is only for white people or people of wealth and status. A recent study shows that in fact the leadership of environmental organizations in the US is largely homogenously white and is therefore missing key aspects of the sustainability equation. In this interactive session we’ll explore diverse approaches to sustainability and learn about sustainability legacies and strategies from a wide array of people around the world. We’ll also discuss how the “why” of sustainability matters perhaps more than the “how.”

Scarlet Bowen and Morgan Seamont

When: 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Where: UMC Gallery

This session will examine data from campus climate surveys at CU-Boulder that describe the challenges that LGBTQ students continue to experience at the university. We will review inclusive policies, practices, and resources that exist to support the LGBTQ community and discuss areas in which we still need to improve our services and accommodations.

Interactive Theater Program

When: 3:00-4:45 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

Join the Interactive Theatre Project in a discussion about culture and language and how those things interact when perceptions are challenged.

Benjamin Pollard

When: 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

CU-Boulder graduate students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are already in the driver’s seat and on their way to those Flagship 2030 diversity goals. STEM fields are notorious for an atmosphere of exclusivity towards underrepresented groups, but students in the CU Physics program created CU-Prime to help change that. Started in the summer of 2013, CU-Prime aims to increase inclusion in Physics/STEM fields, especially among traditionally underrepresented groups, through mentorship and community building. Organizers of CU-Prime will share their vision, the need they are trying to meet, their strategies, and the successes they’ve had so far.

Glenda Russell, Nicolle Charriez, Joseph De La Rose, Nina De La Rosa, Spencer Renteria, Josie Valadez Fraire and Sarah Valdez

When: 3:30-4:45 p.m.
Where: UMC Gallery

Many students in the arts and humanities regard conducting research as neither relevant nor interesting to them. That may be especially true for some first-generation students. This workshop presents a research co-seminar from the perspective of both students and the instructor. It emphasizes culturally meaningful research goals and approaches and what happens when students set out to conduct research that changes how they and others see campus climate. The process involves students, in collaboration with the instructor, constructing their own path to this goal. The workshop includes a video illustrating the results of the student research. It concludes with an open discussion of the circumstances by which students bring themselves and their lives to the research enterprise.

Donna Mejia, Amanda Benzin, Moni Fleshner, Ali La Pointe, Frank Kim, Melissa Michaels

When: 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 235

Historically in university settings, the intellect has ruled and the authoritative voice has been disembodied and placed into black text on a white background, first in print and more recently on screen. Over time, more color variation has been added, more voices allowed into the canon, and yet it is time to invite the body back into the conversation. Gesture, breath, expression, movement, dance -- all can bring layers of intelligence and wisdom.

May Penuela

When: 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 247

This session is about Internationalization and Privilege.  We will frame a discussion provoked by a set of questions examining the following themes: For U.S. nationals, or “American” students studying, researching, or conducting development projects abroad, in what ways are they making meaning of their national privilege? What questions arise for students when they’re asked to consider “global citizenship” as an U.S. citizen? Why should this matter? Participants will be asked to share their own observations from their experiences as students and educators from the questions generated in this roundtable. 

Jessica Coulson

When: 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Where: UMC Gallery

Reading to End Racism started in the 1990s as a grassroots effort to empower children, teachers, and community members to eliminate racism and bullying in their schools. We have been doing that work in BVSD schools for nearly two decades and have recently become a program of the Boulder Valley YWCA, whose mission is to Empower Women and Eliminate Racism. Join us in our work to eliminate racism, prejudice, bias, and bullying from our schools and communities. In this session, attendees will become fully trained readers, ready to volunteer with Reading to End Racism.

Hannh Gammon

When: 9:00-9:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 457

Mental illness is severely stigmatized despite being widespread in the U.S.: one in four adults experiences mental illness each year. On college campuses, people with mental illness are largely invisible and, when visible, are often viewed as defective, problematic, and undesirable. What underlies this stigma? How do people with mental illness connect with and support each other? What is mental illness, anyway? Hannah Lee Gammon, Psy.D., a postdoctoral fellow at CU Boulder's CAPS, will discuss ways that students with mental illness typically engage campus communities and will open a dialogue regarding such engagement at CU Boulder. She will also share research suggesting ways those with mental illness can empower one another and, perhaps, lead the way to transforming cultural climates around issues of mental health.

Ceal Barry

When: 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 235

This presentation will inform the listener on how a significant piece of legislation, Title IX, passed in 1972, has impacted American men and women culturally, professionally, and socially. This presentation will focus on the impact of Title IX on girls and women and their participation in athletics in public schools and universities. The presentation will briefly touch on recent references to Title IX complaints as it relates to sexual harassment and sexual assaults on American college campuses.

Leticia Sanchez and Cecilia Valenzuela

When: 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 247

This session will deconstruct the traditional four year academic plan for undergraduate students in Arts & Sciences disciplines. It is imperative that those working with marginalized students understand what inclusive mapping and planning may mean both metaphorically and realistically. We will integrate social, physical and emotional needs into an academic plan that is multidimensional and transformative. Participants will be provided with a scenario to create a “map” for a marginalized student, gaining a larger understanding of inclusive strategies. Participants will also gain tools for self-reflection and skills for unique mapping to better inform their understanding of and relationships with the students they serve.

Galina Siergiejczyk

When: 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 457 (Dennis Small)

A roadmap to vibrant campus-wide diversity campaign involves sustainable structured change that needs to happen at the very foundation of the educational system – in the classroom. The communities we build in these classrooms create and fuel the cultural climate across the learning continuum. Participants will learn how to create a culture of inclusive and compassionate education and scholarship.

Tracy Ferrell, Andrea Feldman, Jim Walker

When: 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 417

Recent climate surveys at CU, Boulder have found that a significant percentage of students (particularly those from under-represented groups) do not feel welcome or respected on campus. While instructors can determine course content, it is impossible to foresee student interactions that can create a hostile climate. How can instructors deal with micro-aggressions such as sexism, racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination that emerge in the classroom environment? This interactive workshop will provide scenarios for small group discussion, followed by feedback and brainstorming on how to handle these difficult issues. In light of new racisms and other forms of discrimination, the session will explore strategies to overcome white denial, color blind ideologies and overt versus covert aggressions.

Kate Fagan 

When: 11:00-11:50 a.m.
Where: UMC 235

Kate Fagan, a former CU Buffs basketball player, will discuss the challenges of being a gay athlete and coming out to a team of religious teammates and the lessons learned. Going beyond sports, she will discuss the changing perceptions about homosexuality in society over the past decades to present day. Fagan is a columnist and feature writer for espnW and ESPN.com.

Hugo Cordova, Chris Bader, John Lurquin

When: 12:00-12:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 457 (Dennis Small)

Come diversify your view of what it means to be a man! Dominant notions of masculinity are limiting to the modern man and could be damaging to our modern social fabric. Together we can think about how identities like "manliness" and "masculine" are made and maintained within society and see what our role is in that process. In short, this is a no B.S. conversation where we look at who we are and think about our limitations so that we can reassess who we really want to be.

Cecilia Valenzuela, Jon Leslie, Carolyn Moreau, and students

When: 12:00-12:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

CU-Boulder recently launched the campaign ‘Be Boulder.’ in an attempt to showcase and speak to the university’s culture. Unfortunately, prospective and current students whose bodies, narratives and memories have long been underrepresented and marginalized on campus have expressed feelings of exclusion because of this campaign that seems to reinforce CU’s dominant culture and perspectives. Join us to witness a conversation among students, faculty and staff regarding their experiences and feelings about this university initiative as they ask the question, “Can We Be Boulder?"
Information on CU-Boulder’s Be Boulder. campaign.

• Eliberto Mendoza, Interim Director, Boulder County Community Action Programs
• Dr. Ron Cabrera, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Equity, Boulder Valley School District
• Shirly White, Deputy Chair, City of Boulder Human Relations Commission
• Elaina Verveer, Program Director, Public Achievement, University of Colorado Boulder
• Christina Pacheco, Division Manager, City of Longmont Department of Community Services
• Leisha Conners Bauer, Manager, Boulder County Community Services Department

When: 12:00-1:50 p.m.
Where: UMC Gallery

The opportunity gap refers to the ways in which race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, English proficiency, community wealth, familial situations, or other factors contribute to or perpetuate lower educational aspirations, achievement, and attainment for certain groups of students. Join panelists in a discussion of the opportunity gap and its impact within the City of Boulder community as well as identify points of influence to affect change.
The opportunity gap refers to the ways in which race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, English proficiency, community wealth, familial situations, or other factors contribute to or perpetuate lower educational aspirations, achievement, and attainment for certain groups of students. Join panelists in a discussion of the opportunity gap and its impact within the City of Boulder community as well as identify points of influence to affect change.

Kate Fagan, Jaron Thomas (Men’s Track) and Lexi Kresl (Women’s Basketball)

When: 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

Come join in! This open discussion will include our plenary speaker, Kate Fagan, and a selection of current staff and student-athletes from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics here at CU. We will provide a peak into the past, present, and future of inclusion and inclusive practices within athletics. The panel will be available to discuss how the larger culture of inclusion within athletics (not just at CU) has evolved (or stalled) with respect to the larger community and society.

Cassandra Gonzalez, Thuy Trang, Jack Workman, Ximena Keogh, Kim Strong, Yadira Valade

When: 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

This panel will discuss the differing thoughts of feminisms using an intersectional lens. We will discuss women of Color feminism, marginalized communities ignored by the mainstream feminist movement and what future of feminist movements should (or will!) look like.

Joshua Chen and Anthony Levy

When: 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 417

Is our western society age-ist? CU Boulder students Anthony Levy and Joshua Chen believe that, in the wake of the digital divide, Generation X and the Millennial have left older generations behind and that meaningful relationships between the young and the old(er) are dwindling. They launched tBridges to create avenues for folks from different generations to connect by pairing CU students with individuals 55 years and older who are seeking to learn technological skills. They tell the story of the inspiration for their project, its current state and successes, and the challenges they face to spread the movement nationally. Their passion to bridge generations in a socially just, sustainable, and profitable way will inspire and educate those looking to make an impact in the world through their business practices.

Valerie Simons, Director, Institutional Equity and Compliance & Title IX Coordinator

When: 2:00-3:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

Ms. Simons attended Denver Public Schools for twelve years pursuant to the federal desegregation case, Keyes v. Sch. Dist. No. 1.  Experiencing the power and promise of diversity and inclusion first-hand led her to pursue a career enforcing federal civil rights laws, including Title IV of the 1964 Civil Rights Act at the U.S. Department of Justice.  Based on her personal and professional experiences, Ms. Simons will provide an overview of federal civil rights laws designed to eliminate protected class discrimination in schools and how these laws are investigated and enforced on the CU-Boulder campus.

Ellen Aiken, Pilar Prostko, Michele Simpson, Carol Conzelman

When: 2:00-2:50 p.m.
Where: UMC Gallery

There is no better time and place to foster a more inclusive campus climate than in students' first year at CU, in their own residence halls. Dialogues between diverse groups within CU's residence hall communities raise awareness of multiple perspectives and build appreciation for diversity. The goal of this session is to discuss dialogic teaching and learning strategies that support the process of exploring differences, identifying commonalities, and creating alliances to promote a more inclusive and equitable campus climate. This session will present teaching and learning strategies for building inclusive communities based on dialogic practices in RAP classrooms and student engagement activities in RAP residence halls.

Paula Palmer and Jerilyn DeCoteau

When: 2:00-3:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 457 (Dennis Small)

This participatory exercise traces the historic and ongoing impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery, the 15th-century justification for European subjugation of non-Christian peoples. Our goal is to deepen our knowledge and concern about these impacts, recognize them in ourselves and our institutions, and explore paths toward “right relationship.” In the Doctrine of Discovery, we find the roots of injustice. In the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we find the seeds of change. How can these seeds bring forth the fruits of right relationship among all peoples? A Resource Kit gives suggestions for continued study, reflection, and action. 

Karen Raforth, Sean Kenney, Jorge Cisneros, Theresa Halsey and Joel Edelstein

When: 3:00-3:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

KGNU actively develops a range of voices to create a diverse community of listeners. Panel members display the role that community radio plays in advancing their equity and inclusiveness work. Several shows will be highlighted that program for communities often marginalized and educate potential allies. Producers from GLBTQ Out Sources, Indian Voices, and Pasa La Voz will play audio clips and discuss the what, how, and why of this approach to building their community. Learn how you can be involved or apply this approach to your own style of building a more inclusive community at CU or the metro area.

Becky Sibley

When: 4:00-4:50 p.m.
Where: UMC 247

Come find out how volunteers for CU's International Student Guide Program have found ways to become more involved in campus groups and to maximize their time here at CU Boulder.  This informal panel discussion will include students talking about their experiences.

When: 5:45-7:00 p.m.
Where: UMC 235

Thousands of young people have grown up in this community, attended school, and contributed to our lives through their work, creativity and service. Some have been in this country since infancy. Because they were born elsewhere they are considered “undocumented.” What happens when they graduate from high school and try to make a life for themselves?  Do You Know Who I Am? is an autobiographical performance scripted by Kirsten Wilson of Motus Theater based on monologues written and performed by Juan Juarez, Victor Galvan, Oscar Juarez, Ana Cristina Temu and Hugo Juarez. Talkback with the performers after the show. Join us to hear their stories and contemplate the effects immigration reform could have for all of us.

Presented by Cultural Events Board

When: 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Where: Macky Auditorium

The Cultural Events Board presents an evening with Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee. Liberian peace and women's rights activist Leymah Gbowee is the Newsweek Daily Beast's Africa columnist. As war ravaged Liberia, Leymah Gbowee realized it is women who bear the greatest burden in prolonged conflicts. She began organizing Christian and Muslim women to demonstrate together, founding Liberian Mass Action for Peace and launching protests and a sex strike. Gbowee's part in helping to oust Charles Taylor was featured in the documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell. Gbowee is a single mother of six, including one adopted daughter, and is based in Accra, Ghana, where she is the executive director of the Women Peace and Security Network (WIPSEN-Africa). She led a women's movement that was pivotal in ending the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003, and now speaks on behalf of women and girls around the world. Student and community tickets are free for this event.
Tickets are available at the UMC between 10am and 4pm. Students and community members receive free tickets.