“How can we imagine then cultivate and sustain communities, institutions, and social groups that are equitable and inclusive?”

Much like “diversity”, the term “inclusivity” has become a buzzword. Many people talk about it but few have taken the time to explore what environments look and feel like when they are truly inclusive. The challenge is that they theorize about inclusivity without carefully considering the identities of the individuals they seek to include.

During this workshop, participants will explore what inclusivity means for communities whose members span a range of ideological and demographic difference then unpack what challenges lie in cultivating environments that are equitable, affirming, and healing for others as well as themselves. Students, faculty, and staff alike will use reflection and small group discussion to interrogate inclusivity through the lens of identity with emphasis given to thing like race, class, sexual orientation, gender, disability, and religious and spiritual identity. Additionally, faculty and staff will examine the roles they play in promoting healthy student identity development and exploration.

Since this event falls at the end of the university’s diversity series, workshop participants will also have space to engage in conversation related to other topics highlighted during the rest of Diversity Education Week.