‘Equity-Centered Civil Discourse:’ A virtual conversation on Oct. 26

A guest post from Erica Still, associate dean for faculty recruitment, diversity and inclusion

I’m writing to invite faculty and staff to join the NC ACE Women’s Network for a virtual conversation with Dr. Jamie Parson, chief diversity officer at Appalachian State University and an assistant professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance.

The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 4-5 p.m. Register here to attend. The talk is free, and all are welcome.

The discussion will address how we lead with an equity perspective in guiding civil discourse within our spheres of influence.

As we hear over and over, we live in a highly divided country. We disagree about numerous important things, and we are increasingly disagreeable in our conversations about these issues. For many, it feels like a remarkably uncivil society. We need a path out of these impasses, and we may not be able to afford to wait for someone else to lead the way. We may need to be the leaders.

Our professional titles and positions aside, we all have a sphere of influence. We all have a stake in the debates of our times, and we all have a chance to build bridges across our differences. As people positioned throughout our various higher education institutions, we often see (and, in fact, we experience) the need for greater equity, opportunity, and change. How can we leverage our insight and influence to expand the kind of civil discourse necessary to face our current challenges? How can we embed our commitment to equity and opportunity into our conversations about the future we imagine for ourselves, as communities and institutions, as a country, and as a civil society?

I hope may be able to attend this conversation, if time permits.