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Diversity and Inclusion

Category: Diversity and Inclusion

Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Warch Campus Center

All are invited to the 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration! The festivities will begin with cultural presentations and performances in Esch Hurvis, followed by a cultural expo and dinner in Somerset.

We would be delighted if you would join us in celebrating the New Year with our student organizations:

  • Chinese Student Association
  • Korean Culture Club
  • Pan-Asian Organization
  • Vietnamese Student Association
  • Lawrence International

Safety Planning Workshop for 2SLGBTQIA+ students

We are hosting a Safety Planning Workshop geared toward 2SLGBTQIA+ students that is open to all students. We will meet Thursday, Jan. 16 from 4-6 p.m. in the Diversity & Intercultural Center.

Our friends at Diverse + Resilient will be sharing their wisdom on how marginalized people can live with safety in mind. The presentation will help you understand what safety Planning is and what strategies you can use to recognize and prepare for difficult or dangerous situations. You will also be able to work through some practice scenarios to use the tools you learned.

Safety Planning is important for all of us in marginalized communities, especially at a time when those who don’t believe in our rights are empowered.

If you plan on attending this event, please RSVP via the link below.

Blu’s Food Pantry Form and Donation Reminder

The Blu’s Food Pantry Winter Term Request Form is now open for pantry orders to be placed! The pantry provides food, hygiene products, and basic school supplies for students with need. Students can submit one order per week using this Microsoft Form.

If you are interested in donating to Blu’s Food Pantry, please place non-perishable donations in the boxes located around campus. Boxes are located in Warch, Memorial, Steitz, and the Con lobby. If you have any questions or notice a donation box needs to be emptied, please contact diversitycenter@lawrence.edu.

Everyday Encounters: United in Chaos

Thursday, Jan. 15 | 6:30 p.m. | Tacos will be served at 6:15 p.m.
Warch 226 – Mead Witter Room

The President’s Committee on Diversity Affairs (PCDA) invites students, faculty, and staff to join us for “United in Chaos: Everyday Encounters.”

Please RSVP to attend before Jan. 13!

The “Everyday Encounters” series seeks to provide a safe and respectful environment for open dialogue about some of the most pressing and divisive issues in today’s society, including election outcomes and political polarization. This series aims to equip participants with the tools needed to navigate these topics thoughtfully, helping them engage with empathy, reflect on their own role in fostering inclusive conversations, and explore the complexities that underpin democracy and social justice.

Join us in creating a space for connection and mutual understanding. We look forward to engaging with you and sharing more resources in the coming days. If you have any questions, please contact IDEAS@lawrence.edu

34th annual Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Monday, January 20 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Lawrence University is excited to host the 34th Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.

Hear from:

  • Keynote Speaker Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly

With musical performances from:

  • NOIR | Lawrence University student group
  • Preston Parker ft. The Omoladé Academy
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir
    • Community members are invited to join this choir! The choir will meet through Zoom once in December and will begin in-person rehearsals in January.

Thank you to our sponsors!

  • People of Progression
  • Appleton Area School District
  • United Way Fox Cities
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley
  • City of Appleton
  • The Boldt Company
  • ThedaCare

About Dr. Burden-Stelly

Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly is a Black studies scholar and author focused on political theory, political economy, intellectual history, and political and historical sociology. She has given multiple talks regarding the life and legacy of MLK, including at Penn State University, Georgetown, and Western Carolina University.

First-Gen Celebration Day

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Warch 325 – Pusey Room

Stop by and let us celebrate YOU and connect with other First-Gen students, faculty, and staff.

The event will feature:

  • A faculty & staff spotlight wall
  • Student spotlights
  • A gratitude station
  • A photo station

Learn more about our First-Gen Student Association and events planned for the Winter and Spring Terms!

Boba & Sizzle

Sunday, Nov. 10 | 12-7 p.m.
International House

Join the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA) for “Boba & Sizzle,” a vibrant event featuring two of Vietnam’s beloved treats: brown sugar boba milk and sizzling Vietnamese stir-fried corn. Experience the flavors of Vietnamese street food while connecting with friends and learning more about Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re a fan of bubble tea or simply curious to try something new, this event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy great food and fun company.

Everyday Encounters Series

The President’s Committee on Diversity Affairs (PCDA) is excited to announce the launch of a new series, “Everyday Encounters,” aimed at fostering meaningful conversations within the Lawrence community. These gatherings will focus on bridging divides across religion, race, gender, ideologies, and class through critically engaged, respectful dialogue.

In addition, PCDA will share resources to guide these conversations, starting with articles from Stanford University and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundation. These readings offer practical insights for navigating difficult discussions.

We have three events scheduled:

  • Thursday, Oct. 24 | “How to Disagree Without Getting Cancelled”
  • Thursday, Nov. 7 | “The Election Happened. Now What?”
  • Wednesday, Jan. 15 | “Democracy and Disagreement”

Questions or suggestions? Contact IDEAS@lawrence.edu.

“The Election Happened. Now What?”

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 12-1 p.m.
Warch 226 – Mead Witter

Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP via the form.

“How to Disagree Without Getting Cancelled”

Thursday, Oct. 24 | 12-1 p.m.
Warch 325 – Pusey Room

Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP via the form.

Ho-Chunk Survivance: Our Forced Removals and the Boarding School Era

Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 7-8:30 p.m.
Main Hall 201

Most people have heard of the Trail of Tears that five Native Nations suffered during the 1800s, but very few know that similar events dramatically altered life for Native People here in Wisconsin. This presentation will discuss the numerous forced removals that the Ho-Chunk People endured from 1832 to 1865 and the Indian Boarding School period that followed. Dr. Lewis will share oral histories from Ho-Chunk Elders about the removals, the boarding schools, and the long-lasting effects they caused. Attendees are encouraged to practice self-care during the presentation as the topics and stories will be challenging.

Dr. Marcus Lewis (he/him/his) is a proud citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation and a Black cisgender male who has made significant strides as a higher education leader, educator, and advocate. With a deep commitment to promoting educational access and opportunities for underrepresented populations, Dr. Lewis has dedicated his career to fostering inclusive excellence.

As a sought-after keynote speaker and presenter, he shares his expertise with educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the business sector. His unique blend of scholarly insight and practical experience allows him to tackle challenging topics with clarity and approachability, engaging audiences from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Lewis continues to inspire change and empower individuals through his passionate advocacy for equity in education for learners of all backgrounds and abilities.

This event is sponsored by the Ethnic Studies and History Departments and the Lawrence University Native Alliance (LUNA).