Information On Community Events

April 9, 2012

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

In recent weeks, as you know from my previous messages, some of our students have been the target of bigotry and epithets related to religion, race, sexual orientation, and national origin. Such words and actions are inconsistent with the values of acceptance and inclusiveness that we hold as a community. I am writing to let you know of a number of activities of the college is hosting in the week leading up to the all campus meeting on Monday, April 16, and to share with you the agenda for the forum.

This week, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Equity is conducting a workshop for student leaders on being an effective ally; staff in Residence Life are conducting Inter-group Dialogues on race and sexual orientation; and, as Dean of the College Maureen Mahoney has shared, we are making it possible for students, faculty and staff to share their Smith stories via recording stations around the campus. I encourage you to participate in these events as we continue to develop personal and institutional strategies to combat racism, bias, bigotry, and exclusion at Smith.

Here are the details:

How Allies Can Help, a workshop for student leaders

Tuesday, April 10, 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m., Unity House

Intergroup Dialogue on Race

Friday, April 13, 10 a.m.–noon, Unity House

Intergroup Dialogue on Sexual Orientation

Friday, April 13, 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m., Resource Center for Sexuality and Gender

Smith Stories Project

Starting on Tuesday, April 10, and continuing through the week. Stories may be videotaped, audiotaped, or written. Campus Center Green Room (7:30 a.m. to midnight); Neilson 2/51 (7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.); Helen Hills Hills Chapel Reading Room (room B13) (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Community Forum

Monday, April 16, 4:15 p.m., John M. Greene Hall
The forum will begin with my opening remarks, followed by a faculty panel, and an opportunity for those attending to voice their ideas; additional conversations will be encouraged at dinner with “table talks.” We will follow up over the next three weeks with facilitated house meetings in every house.

Sincerely,
Carol T. Christ