Upcoming diversity forum to focus on First Nations, Plan 2008

The culture and experiences of the First Nations community will be the focus of the ninth annual Campus Diversity Forum.

The free event will be held from 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Memorial Union.

Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to learn more about American Indian nations in an all-day cultural experience featuring American Indian drum and songs, a PBS documentary Way of the Warrior, a UW–Madison video on American Indian Cultural Landscapes on campus, a Ho-Chunk dwelling on Bascom Hill, as well as art and food.

In addition to the First Nations presentations, the theme of the event, “Beyond Plans and Promises: Active Leadership for the Future,” will give participants an opportunity to review the university’s progress and share new ideas for enhancing diversity at UW–Madison.

The event will also introduce three new campus leaders who expect to play a role in diversity and climate issues.

Damon Williams, the new vice provost for diversity and climate, will take part in the discussions with a lunch address and a breakout session on “inclusive excellence.”

The day will end with remarks by Chancellor Carolyn “Biddy” Martin and Steve Stern, the new vice provost for faculty and staff.

In addition, keynote speaker Eduardo Bonilla-Silva will talk about “Racism, Discrimination, Colorblindness, and the Diversity Puzzle at Historically White Colleges and Universities.” Bonilla-Silva is a sociology professor at Duke University and a UW–Madison alumnus. He recently wrote “White Logic, White Methods: Racism and Social Science.”

Registration is required to receive a free lunch. Register at http://www.diversity.wisc.edu/forums.php.

For additional information and accommodations, contact Paula Gates at 265-5228 or gates@bascom.wisc.edu.