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. At these Dialogues, employees are able to learn from experts in the field about topics such as unconscious bias, cultural competency, and being an active bystander. The Diversity Dialogue series is open to all in the FAS and to the Harvard community at large.
FAS Diversity Dialogues
2021-2022 Diversity Dialogues
2021-2022 Diversity Dialogues
Talking Loud and Saying Something:
Progressing From Moment to Movement
Over the past year, there have been many communications, conversations, and dialogues about events that were occurring in the “moment.” This year, our Diversity Dialogues will support our efforts to take our actions from supporting a “moment” to being part of a “movement.” We will focus upon things that go beyond the moment and will help us develop a deeper understanding of the movement for racial and social justice.
As always, it is our goal for the Diversity Dialogues to increase awareness, educate, and build competency of those who are in attendance. As an intentional addition to this year's series, each dialogue will include a brief period of self-care where we will engage in an activity that supports our well-being.
Recent Diversity Dialogues
Confronting Anti-Asian Violence
From March 19, 2020 to December 31, 2021, a total of 10,905 hate incidents against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) persons were reported to Stop AAPI Hate, an organization whose mission is to advance equity, justice, and power by dismantling systemic racism and building a multiracial movement to end anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hate. Of the hate incidents reported, 4,632 occurred in 2020 (42.5%) and 6,273 occurred in 2021 (57.5%). Amid two years of growing anti-Asian violence, fueled by xenophobic sentiment tied to the coronavirus’ origins in Wuhan, China, it took the form of brutal attacks on older people, vandalization of businesses, and assaults on the street. At this Diversity Dialogue, we will hear from and engage with Professor Jennifer Lee, a renowned sociologist and author. Because of the proprietary nature of the information she will share, recording will not be allowed during this Dialogue. Professor Lee has written an article for The Brookings Institution, Confronting the Invisibility of anti-Asian Racism, based on the talk she delivered in this session.
Date: May 12, 2022
Black Fatigue and Strategies for Sustainable Antiracist Impact
Black Fatigue is a term that describes a harmful syndrome which is prevalent for many in the Black community. It can impact every aspect of an individual’s life including their ability to work at their best level due to things such as disillusionment, insecurities, lack of engagement and lack of trust. At this Dialogue, we will hear from and engage with Mary-Frances Winters. She is the author of the book Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body and Spirit, within which she coined the term “Black Fatigue” and defined the syndrome.
You can find the livestream recording of this session here: FAS Diversity Dialogues with Mary-Frances Winters
Date: February 10, 2022
Cultural Appropriation and the Native American Community
Cultural appropriation is a phrase that has been in the news for many years but never more than in the past few years. And there are definitely differing opinions on the veracity of claims of cultural appropriation. At this Diversity Dialogue, Carolina Castoreno, Executive Director of The American Indian Center in Indiana, will discuss what cultural appropriation is and how it impacts the Native American (and other) communities, primarily communities of color. A video recording of this session is available.
Date: Thursday, November 18, 2021