Diversity Forum 2024

Part of MLK Social Justice Week, Jan. 22–26

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The event platform for the 2024 Diversity Forum, happening Jan. 23 and 24 (today and tomorrow) is now open.

Review the full agenda, register and add sessions to your calendar, and network with other change-makers.

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The 2024 Diversity Forum will be held Jan. 23 and 24.

This year, we are collaborating with the Division of Student Affairs to make the Diversity Forum part of MLK Social Justice Week.

Our theme this year is “Amplifying Our Voices Through Active Listening and Constructive Dialogue.” It builds on 2023-24 being designated “The Year of Discourse and Dialogue” at the University of Pittsburgh.

We’ll be exploring what active listening and constructive dialogue look like on a university campus at a time of extreme social media and political polarization.

Disclaimer

Opinions expressed by speakers during the Diversity Forum are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the University of Pittsburgh. The mere appearance of content during the Diversity Forum does not constitute an endorsement by Pitt or its affiliates of such content.

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, Jan. 23

Keynote Address: 7 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. William Barber II
More information

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Opening Remarks: 8:30 a.m.
Dr. Clyde Wilson Pickett
Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Workshops: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, 2:30 to 4:45 p.m.

See a list of topic areas and presenters

Sample topic areas:

Bridging the Gap in Accessibility and Accommodations
Reimagining Allyship Through Storytelling
Avoiding the “Savior Complex’ in Helping Professions
Equitable Integration
Cultural Humility and Broaching in Mental Health
Activism Preparedness
Intergroup Dialogue
Authentic Relationships to Spark Change
Experiential Learning for Active Listening
Language Access as Language Justice
Identity and Intersectionality Workshop
Greater Workplace Inclusivity
Understanding Your Relationship to Conflict
Leading with Inclusion and Respect
Caste-Based Discrimination in Higher Education
Perspectives on Single Motherhood
Youth-Adult Partnerships for Decision-Making
Conflict Analysis: A Transformation Approach
Social Determinants of Health and Disability for Older Adults
Being Queer and POC
Creating Safe Spaces in Academic Places
Building Data Literacy

Presenters from:

University of Pittsburgh
City University of New York
Dickinson College
Harrisburg Area Community College
Lafayette College
New Mexico State University
North Carolina Community College System
Oregon Institute of Technology
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
South Hills Interfaith Movement
University of Kentucky
University of San Diego
Vibrant Pittsburgh
World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh

“Heart to Heart,” 12:30 to 2 p.m.
In-Person: William Pitt Union, Assembly Room, Pittsburgh Campus
The “Heart-to-Heart Table” is an opportunity to engage in dialogue with individuals across difference, with the intent to speak and listen to understand each other.

Closing Remarks: 5 p.m.
Feminista Jones
More information

Some events subject to change.

Social Justice Week Events

Thursday, Jan. 25

Social Justice Symposium (in person)

Friday, Jan. 26

Award Luncheon: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Creating a Just Community Award
- UPSIDE Award

Planning Committee

The Diversity Forum Planning Committee meets at 1 p.m. Mondays. Sub-committees will meet at alternative times that fit the scheduling needs of their members.

If you are interested in joining our planning committee as part of one of the sub-committees listed below, please reach out to Chance M. Wideman, director of Equity & Inclusion Programs, at chw246@pitt.edu.

Accessibility and Tech: Determine Forum engagement platform, accessibility, and associated tech (virtual poster sessions and debrief rooms). Angie Bedford-Jack, abedfordjack@pitt.edu

Budget and Finance: Tracking financial needs for each sub-committee, centralized location to submit spending, ensures we stay on budget. LaShon Jackson, laj44@pitt.edu

Featured Programs and Participation: Determine topic areas and participants for featured presenters and keynote speakers. Cheryl Ruffin, cruffin@pitt.edu

Marketing and Outreach: Determine marketing, outreach, and coverage strategies. Jay Togyer, jtogyer@pitt.edu

Sessions and Evaluations: Determine workshop tracks, proposal criteria, and evaluations. Lisa Upsher, liu7@pitt.edu