On Thursday, Nov. 19, as EMU students, faculty and staff will gather to engage in a dialogue about how racism can negatively affect our campus environment at EMU. The forum, “Institutional Racism in Higher Education,” will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in the McKenny Hall Ballroom. The forum will provide an overview of race and racism issues at the University, and give attendees an opportunity to share their personal experiences. This will be the first of several conversations the University is planning this academic year in order to help foster a welcoming and supportive EMU community for all members.

The forum will begin with a welcome from Interim President and Provost Kim Schatzel. Following those remarks, Sandy Norton, a professor of English and the president of the EMU Faculty Senate; and Reginald Barnes, Director, Diversity and Community Involvement at EMU, will moderate an open discussion about the social construction of race, racism and the dynamics of institutional racism and power.

After the open discussion, Dar Mayweather, coordinator for the Center for Multicultural Affairs at Eastern, will lead several interactive small group discussions on how institutional racism at EMU can impact members of the campus community.

All are invited to attend all or part of this crucial and timely discussion regarding our campus climate at Eastern Michigan University.