Campus Discussion Series Addresses Inclusion, Free Speech on Campus and Difficult Classroom Conversations

DARIA wordmark

All members of the campus community are invited to participate in Dignity and Respect in Action (DARIA): Community Conversations on Wednesday, Feb. 26 and Thursday, March 5. DARIA is a series of events for students, faculty, and staff to come together and build skills to overcome division while talking about real issues affecting the campus and society at large.

Themes that have been explored thus far include respectful dialogue and inclusion, feelings that arise when controversial speakers and topics are brought to campus and difficult conversations in the classroom.

A complimentary lunch or dinner is provided for participants and registration is required:

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Campus Center, Amherst Room

Thursday, March 5, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Campus Center, Amherst Room

Trained ambassadors will facilitate table conversations as participants learn methods of respectful dialogue and active listening. Participants from prior DARIA conversations have reported that the discussion and training were immediately helpful in classroom conversations and interactions with colleagues, friends and family.

These conversations are organized by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Workplace Learning and Development, Student Activities and Campus Life and the Ombuds Office as part of the Building a Community of Dignity and Respect campus initiative to actively create a campus environment that rejects hate and polarization and embraces respect, dignity and inclusion.