Congressman John Lewis urges the 91探花community to persevere
The 91探花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, 鈥淟ewis鈥� 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.鈥� Rep. Lewis, talking about building the Civil Rights Movement, said, 鈥淭here is nothing more powerful than the marching feet of a determined people.鈥� He urged students to 鈥渟tand up, speak up, be brave, be courageous, be bold and help create the beloved community.鈥� The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity hosted the event, with special thanks to the Office of the President.
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The Graduate School鈥檚 Public Lecture Series prompts discussions of race and privilege
Continuing last year鈥檚 successful , the Graduate School, in partnership with the 91探花Alumni Association, focused this year鈥檚 talks on privilege. Distinguished speakers from the 91探花and around the world discuss the role of privilege within politics, education, history and the environment 鈥� 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, 鈥淭he 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.鈥�
This spring
May 3, 2017 鈥� History, Conflict and Promise: Civil Rights at the UW
Nearly 50 years after 91探花students organized by the Black Student Union occupied the offices of President Charles Odegaard, a panel of 91探花alumni civil rights leaders reflect on the legacy of the occupation and the state of the University鈥檚 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 91探花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, 91探花Tacoma
The 91探花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鈥檚 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, 91探花Tacoma
- Christopher P. Jordan, Tacoma artist/activist
- Cathy Nguyen, Tacoma poet laureate
Speech & Counter Speech: Rights & Responsibilities
Jan. 10, 2017, w菨色菨b蕯altx史 鈥� 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, 91探花Bothell
91探花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 鈥渉ate speech鈥� and 鈥渇ree speech鈥� 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.