November 27, 2023

Conversation on counteracting anti-ADEI policies is Tuesday

A Conversation of Understanding on Tuesday, Nov. 28, will look at confronting and counteracting policies and legislation that hinder anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) efforts. National ADEI experts will share their insights, experiences and ideas. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to join the live virtual discussion at noon.

“Our Collective Responsibility: Confronting and Countering Anti-ADEI Policies” will look toward building a stronger, more unified front against anti-ADEI legislation, which has been introduced in more than 34 states and passed in seven states. New laws in other states ban ADEI training, prohibit colleges from offering training and remove ADEI team members from higher education. By fostering a conversation of understanding, SIU hopes to collectively develop strategies and initiatives that promote positive change within our communities and beyond.

The meeting will be available on the SIU System’s YouTube channel.

A Q&A session will follow during which participants can use the YouTube comment section. Questions may be submitted before or during the event by email to doris.williams@siu.edu.

Participants will include:

  • Dan Mahony, SIU System president.
  • Sheila Caldwell, SIU System vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer, who will facilitate the conversation.
  • Harrison Davis, Life University, chief diversity officer and director, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Marietta, Georgia.
  • Andriel Dees, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, vice chancellor for equity and inclusion.
  • Dewayne Morgan, University System of Maryland, senior director of education, outreach and pipeline development.

The Conversation of Understanding series began in June 2020 for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members to share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to diversity, inclusion and equity. This is the third session for the 2023-24 academic year.

The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council are discussion sponsors.