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FAS Diversity Dialogues 2021

Led by experts in the field, FAS Diversity Dialogues are forums for FAS staff and faculty to build awareness around a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

From Moment to Movement.

Date: Thursday, April 22nd, 2021
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm EST
 
Critical Reflection is the root of personal and organizational growth and change. Only when we become powerfully aware of our feelings, biases, and obstacles can impactful change begin. As we like to say, "You can't change what you don't acknowledge." At the last Dialogue, Crystal Fleming, Ph.D., asked us to reflect critically around meeting the moment of racism and COVID-19. She stated that awareness, however, is not everything. Awareness without action leads to continued stagnation. In fact, awareness without action can even be considered hypocritical. In her follow up dialogue, Dr. Fleming will explore strategies for powerfully moving into action toward equity and breaking down barriers in the process.
 
Potential Key Takeaways from the Upcoming Dialogue:
  • Explore your personal barriers in moving from awareness to action
  • Consider your department and school's barriers in moving from awareness to action
  • Commit to DOING something new to move equity forward
 
Please contact Andrea Kelton-Harris at alharris@fas.harvard.edu with Diversity Dialogue-related questions. This event will be recorded, and persons with disabilities who wish to request accommodations or who have questions about access, please contact hr_programs@fas.harvard.edu in advance of the session.
 
PREVIOUS EVENTS

Better Understanding the Moment

Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm EST
 
By introducing us to critical race theory, Crystal Fleming, Ph.D, will explain how systemic racism exposes us to racial ignorance and she will provide a road map for transforming our knowledge into anti-racist change. When harmful ideas about race, stereotypes and biases are left unchallenged, discriminatory behavior is fueled, and the lives of black and brown people are devalued. Join us as we learn with Dr. Fleming, who seeks to inspire and empower those who are committed to building a more just society.  An author and scholar, Dr. Fleming will show us how to leverage our racial literacy for anti-racist awareness and activism. Dr. Fleming is Professor of Sociology and Africana Studies and Associate Faculty in the Department of Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies at  SUNY Stony Brook.
 

Meet the Moment... Again!

Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm EST
 
"We are tired.  Tired of the senseless murders of unarmed Black men.  Tired of the violence against Black people and people of color.  Tired of talking about it.  Tired of people not understanding.  Tired of being tired.  Despite this, we must take care of our families, ourselves, and keep up our engagement in our work.  Sometimes it seems like we cannot catch our breath.  Today we will learn how  to acknowledge the things that are making us tired and we’ll learn about ways that will help us meet the moment and get our second wind."

Recent Diversity Dialogues

Mental Health as an Invisible Dimension of Diversity

Mental Health as an Invisible Dimension of Diversity

Thursday, August 22, 2019 1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Location: Harvard Hillel, 52 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA

Mental illness is an “invisible disability” not always apparent to others and can significantly impact one's daily living, including their time at work. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, one out of five adults in the U.S. (46 million people) experience mental illness in a given year. It is no wonder that managing the intersection of employee performance and mental health has risen to the surface for many managers and is now considered an “invisible” dimension of diversity. Mental illness can impact anyone at anytime. Moderated by Callie Crossley, WGBH host of Under the Radar, the panel of experts will help us to better understand what mental health is, how it impacts the workplace, and will identify best practices for managing situations related to mental illness at work. Practical advice on how we can help to create and support a more inclusive and supportive FAS environment for this dimension of diversity will also be shared.

Mental Health and Ethnicity

Mental Health and Ethnicity

Monday, November 18, 2019 9:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Location: Lowell Lecture Hall, 17 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA

As shared in Dean Gay’s announcement of this year’s Dialogues, the FY20 Diversity Dialogues will endeavor to build awareness and community related to individuals who possess invisible dimensions of social diversity. Our first Dialogue will focus on Mental Health and Ethnicity. We look forward to hearing from experts on various topics such as mental health and its intersection with ethnicity, resilience, and the intersection of mental health with societal issues related to ethnicity/immigration. Our guest moderator will be Renee Graham, editor and columnist from the Boston Globe. Guest speakers will be Professor Kristen Lee, Associate Teaching Professor and Lead Faculty, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University and Professor Tracy Robinson-Wood, Professor of Counseling Psychology, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University. Lowell Lecture Hall  provides ample seating so the event will not be live streamed. The Dialogue will be recorded as per usual and will be placed on YouTube for viewing afterwards. DVD copies of the Dialogue will be available if you or your department wish to borrow and view it.