March 19, 2026
Conversation of Understanding to look at LGBTQIA+ experiences
A Conversation of Understanding on Tuesday, March 24, will look at the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff related to respect, safety access to resources and belonging on campus and surrounding communities.
“Respect, Belonging, and Access: Understanding LGBTQIA+ Experiences” is from noon to 1 p.m. and will be available on the SIU System’s YouTube channel. Faculty, staff and students are invited to join the discussion.
The discussion goal is “to deepen understanding of the social, institutional, and personal challenges individuals may face and to consider how institutions can respond with greater care, equity, and support.”
The talking points will include:
- Respect and identity recognition.
- Campus climate and surrounding communities.
- Family and faith community disconnection.
- Intersection of disability, neurodivergence, and queerness.
- Access to facilities and housing.
- Administrative and legal navigation.
- Training and awareness.
- Healthcare access and well-being.
The featured panelists are:
- Juniper Oxford, program coordinator, Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center, SIU Carbondale.
- Priscilla Pimentel, digital imaging specialist, Center for Teaching Excellence, SIU Carbondale.
- Nick Niemerg, director of development, University Advancement, SIU Edwardsville.
Sheila Caldwell, SIU System vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer, will serve as moderator.
A Q&A session will allow the online audience to participate by using the YouTube comment section. Questions may be submitted before or during the event by email to doris.williams@siu.edu.
The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council sponsor the Conversation of Understanding series, which began in June 2020.