April 29, 2017
Talking about equity, difference and privilege
Congressman John Lewis urges the UW community to persevere
Rep. Lewis shared his story — now protrayed in the graphic novel “March” — with the UW community in February. Photo: University Marketing & Communications.
The UW had the distinct honor of hosting U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) at the Seattle campus, Feb. 23, 2017. Says Vice Provost and Dean Ed Taylor, “Lewis’ personal journey from a student-activist to congressman inspires us, as leaders, to maintain that same passion for addressing race and promoting equity that we developed as students, and to look to our students whose passions push this work forward.“ Rep. Lewis, talking about building the Civil Rights Movement, said, “There is nothing more powerful than the marching feet of a determined people.” He urged students to “stand up, speak up, be brave, be courageous, be bold and help create the beloved community.” The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity hosted the event, with special thanks to the Office of the President.
Watch and Read More:
- Video of Rep. Lewis’ presentation on UWTV
- “Rep. John Lewis exemplifies the life of a moral leader” – The Seattle Times
- “Stir up trouble to right wrongs, Rep. John Lewis tells UW crowd” -The Seattle Times
The Graduate School’s Public Lecture Series prompts discussions of race and privilege
Pedro Noguera, professor of Education at UCLA, discussed strategies for equitable student achievement at Kane Hall on Jan.10, 2017. Photo: University Marketing & Communications.
Continuing last year’s successful Equity & Difference Public Lecture Series, the Graduate School, in partnership with the UW Alumni Association, focused this year’s talks on privilege. Distinguished speakers from the UW and around the world discuss the role of privilege within politics, education, history and the environment — and how privilege can be more equitably shared.
The Graduate School also developed a companion course series to address the themes of its public lectures. The courses engage participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines in topics such as racism, power and privilege; transgressions and microaggressions; and how structural factors sustain oppression of minority populations. Offered on all three campuses to graduate students, faculty and staff, these courses have been transformative for participants and for their work as members of the university community. As one student noted, “The more I build upon my own learning of issues with equity and oppression, the more I can both contribute to my existing community and add to it.”
This spring
May 3, 2017 — History, Conflict and Promise: Civil Rights at the UW
Nearly 50 years after UW students organized by the Black Student Union occupied the offices of President Charles Odegaard, a panel of UW alumni civil rights leaders reflect on the legacy of the occupation and the state of the University’s ongoing commitment to equity and justice for all.
The Uw’s Three Campuses Explore Complexities of Free Speech
What does the First Amendment mean in the context of a public university? How can we promote equity and diversity in ways consistent with protecting free speech? The UW community explored these and other questions about speech through events and forums on all three campuses.
Freedom of Speech: A Fundamental Right?
Jan. 23, 2017, William W. Philip Hall, UW Tacoma
The UW Tacoma community was invited to an interactive dialogue with panelists on a range of experiences with free speech in a range of contexts from education to activism to the arts. The event was part of the Chancellor’s Discussion Series: Standing Together for Justice in Hope and Determination.
Panelists:
- Susan Balter-Reitz, professor of Communication and Theatre, Montana State University Billings
- Chris Demaske, associate dean of Faculty and Student Affairs; associate professor of Communication, UW Tacoma
- Christopher P. Jordan, Tacoma artist/activist
- Cathy Nguyen, Tacoma poet laureate
Speech & Counter Speech: Rights & Responsibilities
Jan. 10, 2017, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House
The Race & Equity Initiative hosted three First Amendment lawyers and educators for a structured dialogue exploring how First Amendment law is applied in a university.
Speech & Counter Speech Panelists:
How Do We Define Hate Speech vs. Free Speech within an Academic Community?
Nov. 17, 2016, North Creek Event Center, UW Bothell
UW Bothell community members attended an interactive forum facilitated by Kari Lerum, associate professor of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, and Terryl Ross, director of diversity, to discuss how to navigate difficult conversations inside and outside the classroom, specifically, on what constitutes “hate speech” and “free speech” within the context of commitments to academic integrity and campus diversity. Campus inclusion values and conduct codes were examined, followed by break-out sessions for participants to share ideas.
