Inaugural ‘Salukis United in Diversity Conference’ set

SIU News




April 12, 2017
Inaugural ‘Salukis United in Diversity Conference’ set
by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Television commentator and best-selling author Keith Boykin will speak at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in April, one of the highlights of the inaugural four-day Salukis United in Diversity Conference.
A variety of activities are planned during the April 19-22 conference, designed to bring the campus and community together to highlight and strengthen SIU’s diversity and inclusivity.
The celebration begins on April 19 as faculty and graduate teaching assistants make presentations and discuss diversity from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Center’s Ohio Room. Afterward, the Chancellor’s Diversity Council will host a “Meet and Greet” event in the Mississippi Room, giving everyone a chance to get acquainted with the council and discuss their thoughts about campus diversity.
Students will gather at the Student Center at 4 p.m. on April 20 to participate in a Unity March and Celebration as a show of support for international and underrepresented students, faculty and staff. Students are encouraged to wear shirts that illustrate their diverse backgrounds, according to conference organizer Naomi Tolbert, a political science and international affairs major who is also vice president of cultural experiences and diversity for the Honors Assembly, a student trustee on the SIU Board of Trustees and a McNair Scholar.
“This will be an inspirational Saluki celebration of the differences we have and a time to embrace them and come together,” Tolbert said.
The walk will conclude in the area around the Shryock Auditorium steps for a campus-wide celebration featuring remarks by Interim Chancellor Brad Colwell, a barbecue and music provided by a disc jockey.  
There will be Safe Zone workshop sessions at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on April 21 in the Mississippi Room at the Student Center, giving everyone the opportunity to learn about LGBTQ issues and how to help ...

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