On February 19-20, 2019, we reflected on our backgrounds and life experiences to continue the process of discovery, dialogue and action. We further tapped into the importance of celebrating all social identities and taking the steps to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.
We are better as individuals and as a community when we take the time to listen to one another, extend empathy to one another and dialogue with one another.
Chancellor-elect Andrew D. Martin
A conversation highlighting various issues, identities, experiences and perspectives of members of the Washington University community.
Tuesday, February 19
‘Moving Beyond Labels: A Conversation About Diversity, Bigotry & Common Humanity’
This opening program provided a powerful framework for our dialogue, with thought-provoking ideas from educator and author Irshad Manji.
Conversation and Q&A
Moderated by Sherree Wilson, Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, School of Medicine.
Wednesday, February 20
Welcome from Lori S. White, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and opening remarks from Chancellor-elect Andrew D. Martin.
Dialogue Session I: WU in Focus: A Closer Look at Issues That Matter
Facilitated by Mary M. McKay, Neidorff Family and Centene Corporation Dean, Brown School.
Dialogue Session II: ‘When You Feel Some Kind of Way’: Developing Tools Across Differences
Facilitated by Denise DeCou, Manager, Diversity and Community Outreach, Office of Human Resources.
Dialogue Session III: Field Notes: Reflections from WashU’s Diversity Practitioners
Facilitated by Nicole Hudson, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Closing Remarks
Nicole Hudson, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Medical Campus Events
‘Segregation in St. Louis: Dismantling the Divide’
Michelle Witthaus, Program Manager, Health Equity Works (previously For the Sake of All), a Washington University initiative committed to research and collaboration to accelerate health equity in St. Louis
‘Redirecting Implicit Bias’
Calvin Lai, assistant professor of psychological & brain sciences, Washington University
Engagement Sessions
Attendees chose from a number of afternoon engagement sessions.
Collaborative Engagement in St. Louis: Service Fair
Local agencies were on hand to give participants insight and information on using strengths and talents to make a difference int he St. Louis region, by responding to community needs and priorities through civic engagement.
Participating agencies:
-American Cancer Society
-Asthma and Allergy Association
-Be the Match
-Legislative Concerns Committee
-Paraquad
-United Way
-Wesley House
Visit to the Gateway Arch National Park and the Old Courthouse
Explore St. Louis History and its pivotal role in Westward Expansion including how expansion impacted Native Americans and other ethnic and cultural communities that have been part of the development of St. Louis and the west.
Collaborative Engagement in St. Louis Learning Session
Facilitated by Stefani Weeden-Smith, Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, and the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
Nonviolent Communication Workshop
Facilitated by Braveheart Gilani, MSW Candidate, Brown School.
Developing and Supporting Diverse Teams
Facilitated by Katharine Pei, Director, First Year Center; and Danielle Bristow, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Brown School.
Going Beneath the Surface
Facilitated by Melanie Houston, Training and Education Specialist, Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
Open Space
Provided attendees with the chance to talk to other students, staff and faculty about the topics of the morning sessions.
Film Screening: ‘The Color of Medicine’
Film screenings of ‘The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital’.