Campus diversity dialogues feature national speakers

The university is contributing to President Clinton’s Initiative on Race by hosting several diversity initiatives the week of Oct. 4-8.

More information: For more information on Campus Dialogues for One America, call the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 265-5228.

The centerpiece of Campus Dialogues for One America is the return to UW–Madison of three nationally recognized speakers on diversity. Victor Lewis, Peggy McIntosh and Hugh Vasquez will participate in a number of lectures, panel discussions and film showings Oct. 4-5.

“The impetus is the president’s initiative, but this is an issue that we have been wrestling with on this campus for a long time,” says Paul Barrows, vice chancellor for student affairs. “Our efforts are part of the ongoing campus dialogue of issues related to diversity in all aspects of its meaning.”

Lewis is founder and director of the Center for Diversity Leadership, and is best known for his role in “The Color of Fear,” an award-winning video about racism. McIntosh teaches at Wellesley College and is director of a national project to create inclusive curricula. Vasquez is a national diversity consultant who works with organizations seeking to create healthy multicultural environments. All three visited campus last year and participated in events designed to increase diversity.

They begin their two-day appearance on Monday, Oct. 4, with a “Dialogue about Diversity,” 9:30-11 a.m. at the University Club. McIntosh will then lead a campuswide lecture and panel discussion titled “Creating a Diverse Curriculum and Learning Environment” from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Memorial Union.

From 3:30-5 p.m., the three will take part in a discussion with students, staff and faculty as part of Professor Richard Davis’ Retention Action Project, a concurrent effort to foster diversity at UW–Madison. From 6-9 p.m. at the Red Gym, they will show the films “The Color of Fear” and “Degrees of Difference: Voices of Diversity at UW–Madison” and lead discussions following the screenings.

On Tuesday, Oct. 5, discussion from 9-10:30 a.m. will focus on privilege systems. From 12-1:30 p.m., gender issues will be the topic. Both sessions are in Memorial Union.

Speakers will talk with student leaders from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Memorial Union. From 6-9 p.m., Lewis and Vasquez will take part in a Students of Color Building Community Workshop in the Red Gym.

The university also is planning a town-gown dialogue for Thursday, Oct. 7, to discuss how UW–Madison can partner with civic groups and others to address diversity issues in the Madison community. Details are still being finalized.

In addition, United Council, the state student association for Wisconsin, is sponsoring a students of color symposium Oct. 8-9 at UW–Madison.

Substantial funding for this week-long program has been provided by the Wisconsin Eastern Alumni Association, which has demonstrated a strong commitment to help foster a diverse learning environment for UW–Madison students.