UNLV's Task Force for a Just and Inclusive Campus is sponsoring a seven-part series of diversity education sessions to be held in the Classroom Building Complex, Room B-113, beginning Jan. 27.
The sessions, which will offer video presentations provided by PBS, will be held on each successive Friday through March 5. All sessions are open to the public, and admission is free.
The purpose of the educational series is to open dialogue about diversity-related issues and to address both the legacies of racism and the opportunities for racial reconciliation in the United States, according to Paul Meacham, task force chairman.
"Without question, diversity is one of the most pivotal issues of our times," said Meacham. "Issues of sexism and racism don't affect just one group. They affect everyone. Higher education must lead by example. And through this educational series, we hope to stimulate meaningful dialogue about diversity, not only on campus but within the entire community."
The following list provides session descriptions, dates, and times.
-- "Racial Legacies & Learning,"set for Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-noon, is a live satellite broadcast of a national town hall meeting during which campus and community leaders will discuss ways to foster meaningful dialogue and learning about race.
-- "Why Can't We Talk About Race?" set for Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., is a videotaped discussion of views and visions by campus and community leaders on how higher education and communities can work together to improve student learning and societal engagement in racial understanding and reconciliation.
-- "A Dialogue on Race With President Clinton," Feb. 5, 11 a.m.-noon, is a rebroadcast of the PBS presentation of President Bill Clinton's discussion with Jim Lehrer of NewsHour and eight Americans on the subject of race relations.
-- "Degrees of Difference: Culture Matters on Campus," Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-10:30 a.m., is a five-segment presentation that helps participants better understand who makes up a campus community and to rethink policies and language with respect to social and cultural differences.
-- "Out of the Past," Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., is a documentary on the struggle of the gay and lesbian community to gain acceptance in America.
-- "Difficult Dialogues," Feb. 12, 11:30 a.m.-noon, is a teaching program that shows how nurturing honest inquiry and exchange among students has become an increasingly critical skill for instructors.
-- "Africans in America" is a three-part documentary that examines the historical roots of some of today's most disturbing racial issues. Part I is scheduled for Feb. 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Part II, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; and Part III, March 5, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Free parking is available in the Thomas & Mack Center's green lot, which is located adjacent to the Classroom Building Complex and the Reynolds Student Services Center. For more information on the educational series, call the Office of Diversity Initiatives at 895-3891.
