Diversity and Inclusion

Monday, March 31 | 5-7 p.m.
Wriston Auditorium (224)

For this year’s Trans Day of Visibility, S. Bear Bergman will come to campus to perform his solo show “The First Jew in Canada,” the story of a young transgender man named Jacques LaFargue set off from France to what is now Quebec City, determined to make for himself a new life.

In a world quick to claim that trans identities are a modern phenomenon, Jacques’s story stands as a testament to the long, rich history of trans people. This show is not just a recounting of historical facts; it’s a Midrash—an exploration of the “whys” and the silences in between. It is a celebration of lineage—or yichus—for those who’ve been told they have none.

“The First Jew in Canada” is more than just a performance; it’s an opportunity to connect with our past, understand our present, and imagine a more inclusive future. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, kinship, or simply a compelling story, this event promises to enlighten, engage, and inspire.

How Historical Attitudes Towards Childhood Shape Social Hierarchies

By Stacey Patton

Thursday, March 13 | 7:30 p.m.
Wriston Auditorium

About the Talk: Before categories of difference became the primary framework for organizing society in the western world, another system of hierarchy played a foundational role in shaping attitudes towards power and social order: perceptions of childhood. 

Historically, children were often viewed as inherently flawed, in need of correction through strict discipline, labor, and, in some cases, severe punishment. In medieval and early modern Europe, this mindset justified practices such as corporal punishment, forced labor, and even public executions of children, reinforcing a cultural acceptance of control over the most vulnerable. 

As European societies expanded into the Americas, these frameworks influenced emerging systems of social stratification and control. The treatment of children, especially in contexts where discipline and forced labor were routine, helped establish broader ideas about who could be controlled, punished, and deemed less than fully autonomous. Over time, these attitudes informed colonial policies, labor practices, and legal structures that reinforced distinctions between different groups. 

About Dr. Stacey Patton

Dr. Stacey Patton is an award-winning journalist whose writings have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Al Jazeera, The Chronicle of Higher Education, BBC News, Black Enterprise, NewsOne, and other outlets. She has appeared on CNN, ABC News, MSNBC, Democracy Now, and Fox News. She is also the creator of Spare the Kids, an online portal designed to teach about the harms of physical punishment, and the forthcoming 3D medical animation app, When You Hit Me, which promises to be a game changer for child abuse prevention. For her child advocacy work, Dr. Patton was awarded the 2024 Child Advocacy Award from the American Psychological Association. Dr. Patton is also a research associate at Morgan State University and teaches digital journalism at Howard University.

Thursday, Feb. 27 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Warch 325-Pusey Room

This event offers a valuable opportunity for students, staff, faculty, and community members to come together, connect, and foster meaningful relationships. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, engage in insightful discussions, or simply build connections with others who share similar experiences, this event is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Join us for an evening of collaboration, empowerment, and community building!

Thursday, Feb. 13 | 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Diversity & Intercultural Center

Join us for Dr. Tameka Ellington’s presentation and discussion of her book Black Hair in a White World. Dr. Ellington is dedicated to empowering self-confidence and breaking down cultural barriers in both personal and professional settings. She has experience in the fashion industry as well as serving as a fashion/design educator and directing diversity initiatives. The presentation is open to all students, staff, and faculty.

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

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.