What: The University of North Texas Equity and Diversity Conference – “Beyond the Surface: Examining Implicit Bias.”

Experts and participants alike will come together at the event designed to challenge issues related to diversity and identity facing the U.S. The conference is sponsored by UNT’s Division of Institutional Equity and Diversity and will feature social justice advocate Howard J. Ross, whose lunchtime keynote will address unconscious bias. Jalane Schmidt, an organizer with the Charlottesville chapter of Black Lives Matter will deliver closing remarks on the topic of social justice and how white supremacy attitudes do not occur in a political vacuum.

The event is full, but interested parties can watch the live stream link to see featured events. The opening session, lunchtime keynote (including the Honda of Denton climate survey car giveaway) and afternoon keynote will be live streamed at https://edo.unt.edu/equity-and-diversity-conference.

When: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 2019.

Where: University Union, located at 1155 Union Cir.

Media: The conference is full, but credentialed media are welcome to attend. For a press pass and parking information, contact Monique.Bird@unt.edu. Media check in starts at 8 a.m. Media are asked to arrive by 8:30 a.m.

Schedule: For the schedule, visit https://edo.unt.edu/conference-schedule-glance. For workshops, visit https://edo.unt.edu/workshop-descriptions. 

Topics include:  

• The Afro Latinx Experience – Afro Latinx students are often not recognized for both their Latin and African heritage. The presenter provides insight into their identity.
• “Switch the Code” – From phone calls to meetings, code-switching can stem from the belief that one must adapt to a dominant culture for acceptance or advancement. In this regard, it’s important to identify and address the barriers preventing women of color from authentically expressing themselves.
• Mental Health in Sexual Minorities – How parents can overcome their own bias and support children who identify as sexual minorities.
• Gender Norms and Sexual Violence – Explores gender stereotypes and how narrow definitions of gender can be limiting and harmful. This interactive session may include scenario-based group activities and a talk on sexual violence.
• Storytelling as a Tool to Combat Implicit Bias – Participants explore how storytelling evolved through history and can impact implicit bias through examples of historical works and current pop culture.
• Preventing Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation – Where is the line between flirtation and sexual harassment, or impoliteness and discrimination? What happens if the lines are crossed?
• Negative Effects of Bias in the Workplace – A workshop examines ways to remove Implicit Bias from our institutions.
• The “N” Word – This talk will start with the history of the very controversial “N” word and seek to answer the question, “Can I say it?”
• Desi Americans in American K-12 Schools – A discussion on the unique challenges faced by second- and third-generation individuals of South Asian descent.
• Livestream: The opening session, lunchtime keynote (including the Honda of Denton climate survey car giveaway) and afternoon keynote will be live streamed at https://edo.unt.edu/equity-and-diversity-conference.

Social Media: Media can follow and engage with the conversation at @DiversityUNT and using #EDC19atUNT.