On Thursday, April 12, Oakland University held its fifth annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference. This year’s theme was “Leveraging Diversity: Stand Up, Stand Strong, Stand Together.” The event featured talks from leading experts in the field of diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Z Nicolazzo, assistant professor of higher education and student affairs at Northern Illinois University, spoke on the topic of “Building Trans-Inclusive Campuses: Leveraging Evidence for National Studies to Inform Campus Practice.”
Dr. Betty Overton-Adkins, a faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Union Institute and University (Ohio), and Margaret Brower, Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Chicago, presented “Hidden Inequalities: Modern Sexism in the Academy.”
In addition, Dr. Scott E. Page, Leonid Hurwicz Collegiate Professor of Complex Systems, Political Science and Economics at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, spoke on issues surrounding diversity.
The conference concluded with an awards presentation. The Monica E. Emerson Diversity Award was presented to Karen Sheridan, professor of theatre, for her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion on stage. She has been a champion of incorporating shadow signing for the deaf into theatre productions, as well as featuring plays with all-African American casts.
The Timothy G. Larrabee Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equity and Inclusion Award was presented to Dr. Mark Navin, associate professor of philosophy, for his work to bring author and Wayne State Philosophy Professor John Corvino to campus to facilitate dialogue on LGBT-related issues.
Following the awards presentation, Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, Glenn McIntosh, encouraged the audience to take action to “close the gap” in matters of diversity and inclusion.
“I don’t know of any movement that advances or any change that occurs without someone stepping out on faith and being willing to stand out, and letting everyone else catch up,” he said. “If you’re in one of those categories (of people who feel marginalized), it’s incumbent upon you to rise up and realize that you’re the best champion for your cause.”
This year’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference was sponsored by the Oakland University offices of the President and Provost, Faurecia, InfoArmor, TIAA, Fidelity, Marsh & McLennan Agency and Pondera Leadership Consulting.
From left: Glenn McIntosh, Karen Sheridan, Monica E. Emerson and Joi Cunningham, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. |
From left: Grace Wojcik, coordinator of the Gender and Sexuality Center, Mark Navin and Glenn McIntosh. |
