SIU System’s Next Conversation of Understanding Looks at Collectively Opposing Anti-DEI Policies
“Our Collective Responsibility: Confronting and Counteracting Anti-DEI Policies” is the topic of discussion for the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s next virtual Conversation of Understanding (COU) from 12-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 at https://bit.ly/SIUConversation.
Anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion legislation has been introduced in more than 34 states and has passed in eight states, according to Sheila Caldwell, EdD, vice president for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) for the SIU System.
“Legislation passed has banned DEI training, prohibited colleges from offering training, and removed DEI team members from higher education,” added Caldwell.
During the COU, national DEI experts will share their insights, experiences and ideas for combatting legislation that hinders diversity, equity and inclusion.
The speakers include:
- Harrison Davis, chief diversity officer and director in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Life University in Georgia
- Andriel Dees, vice chancellor for equity and inclusion at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
- Dewayne Morgan, senior director of education, outreach and pipeline development at the University System of Maryland
Conversations of Understanding have become a fixture across the SIU System and our individual campuses. They are a series of exchanges where students, alumni, faculty, staff and the broader SIU communities can share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion. We want to be a model for others in higher education and be recognized as a leader in our region and beyond for our work in fostering understanding of relevant contemporary issues.
The Southern Illinois University System enriches students and diverse communities through inclusive excellence, experiential education and innovation. The system creates and shares knowledge that enables stakeholders to achieve their full potential, serves as an economic catalyst for the region and state, and advances global change, opportunities and social justice. Over the course of the last 150 years, the SIU campuses have grown from humble beginnings to be recognized as ever-expanding centers for learning and research. During that time, SIU Carbondale and SIU Edwardsville have developed into the core of a modern university system that provides learning opportunities to over 27,000 students.
