WSU’s 22nd Annual Diversity Conference to Examine Systems of Racial Hierarchy
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University’s 22nd Annual Diversity Conference will explore issues surrounding systemic racism and human connections on Oct 1-2. It will focus on the connections and disconnections with oppressed populations in society.
“As local, state and national conversations about race, power, privilege and identity progress, it is critical that we find our common baselines,” said Adrienne Andrews, Assistant Vice President for Diversity and conference chair. “We must recognize humanity and our ways to center it as we work through historical conscious and unconscious bias, bigotry and prejudice. Through these connections and possible disconnections, we can take action to build inclusion, understanding and respect.”
Due to COVID-19 safety measures, the conference will be held virtually via Zoom conferencing. All events are free and open to the public, but participants are required to register at weber.edu/diversity/diversityconference.
This year's conference theme is “Connections, Obstacles, and Opportunities: Employing Intersectionality to Transform Racial Hierarchy into Humanity.” The theme will challenge participants to explore opportunities and ideas to align their thoughts and words with actions.
The conference will open Oct. 1 at 5:30 p.m. with a presentation from Pepper Glass, WSU sociology professor. Glass recently published his book, “Misplacing Ogden, Utah: Race, Class, Immigration, and the Construction of Urban Reputations,” which examines the historical reputation of Ogden and how misrepresentation can cause unnecessary cultural stigmas.
Prominent author and educator, Tim Wise, who speaks against racism, will deliver the keynote address Oct. 2 at 12:30 p.m. Wise is the author of nine books, including the forthcoming essay collection, “Dispatches from the Race War,” “Dear White America: Letter to a New Minority,” and “Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America.”
Throughout the past 25 years, Wise has traveled to all 50 states sharing his research and expertise with colleges, government agencies and conferences. He was also featured in a video exhibition on race relations in America at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. In addition, he has been a guest on CNN, MSNBC and NPR, as well as ABC’s “20/20” and “Nightline.”
Andrews will interview Wise about his work, as well as his perspective on racial hierarchies, human connections and racism in society.
The conference will offer a variety of other workshops and presentations that will encourage attendees to challenge their own biases by examining the issues from all sides and perspectives. Attendees can request American Sign Language interpretation at weber.co1.qualtrics.com.
For more information about the conference and a full calendar of events, visit weber.edu/diversity/diversityconference.
The conference is also connected to the theme of WSU’s Engaged Learning Series, “Connect*.” Events will provide audiences with an opportunity to delve into what it means to connect with people, ideas and things. The series is a collaborative cross-campus effort to host events and lectures that bring multiple perspectives to a single issue and engage students, faculty, staff and community in discussion, learning and action. For more information, visit weber.edu/ccel/els.
Visit the following links for photos and graphics:
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Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • shayleestevens@weber.edu- Contact:
Adrienne Andrews, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President for Diversity
801-626-7243 • adrienneandrews@weber.edu