April 09, 2026

Conversation of Understanding focuses on students’ rights to learn

A two-day Conversation of Understanding of in-person and virtual sessions on the SIU Carbondale and SIU Edwardsville campuses next week will engage faculty, staff and students in discussing students’ rights and Illinois’ higher education funding formula. 

The two-part session, “Right to Learn: Students Reclaiming Higher Education,” is Tuesday and Wednesday, April 14-15. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to join the discussion, and can participate in person or join the conversations via the SIU System YouTube channel. 

Hosted by the SIU System office and Young Invincibles, a non-profit advocacy organization that seeks to “amplify young voices in the fight for affordable education, accessible health care, and meaningful opportunities” of young adults between 18 and 34 years old. 

April 14 — SIU Edwardsville, Morris University Center, Hickory-Hackberry Room. YouTube link. 

April 15 — SIU Carbondale, Student Center, Old Main Room. YouTube link. 

The agenda for each campus on both days is: 

  • 10:30 a.m.-noon: Conversation on students’ right to learn. The focus is “on students’ rights to freedom, to study, research, and speak without political interference dictating what actually can be taught or discussed in higher education.”
  • Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Free lunch provided to people who attend either one or both in-person sessions.
  • 1-2 p.m.: Conversation on the state’s public funding formula. 

Troy Alim, the Midwest empowerment manager for Young Invincibles, and Sheila Caldwell, SIU System vice president for antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer, will lead the discussion. The organization will also register students who want to join them in Springfield on April 16 to learn more about equitable funding across the state of Illinois. 

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.