The UW–Madison School of Education’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) teamed up with its Office of Professional Learning and Community Education (PLACE) this fall to produce a series of symposia focused on critical issues of racial justice.
The goal of the virtual series, titled Real Talk for Real Change, aligns with the vision statement for PLACE, which aims to provide transformational learning experiences, said Lisa Barker, the education director for PLACE and one of four program coordinators for the series. In addition, the symposia strive to create a platform that “lifts up the work and scholarship and voices, especially of faculty of color,” she said.
Barker said the planning team has been strategic about making space for new faculty members, in particular. “We really want to amplify their scholarship in this space,” she said, “and it’s been an excellent opportunity to get to know some really important thinkers that UW–Madison has brought on this year.”
The series began in September with a symposium focused on anti-racist school leadership. It then pivoted toward health equity for the second event, focusing on how existing inequities have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The third symposium focused on inequities in school policies, policing, and discipline practices. And the fourth symposium focused on understanding how the art of hip hop can advance a path toward equity.
Yorel Lashley, the director of arts for PLACE who is also on the planning team, said he has “been encouraged by the creativity that scholars and researchers — and particularly those of color — are bringing to some of these problems.”
Barker noted as well the unique position of the School of Education to host these discussions. “As a School of Education with programs across the arts, education, and health, we can speak to issues from many different angles, which is important when discussing equity and racial justice,” she said.
LaVar Charleston, the School of Education’s associate dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion, said the series is poised to be an effective bridge between the School and the community.
Charleston added that he hopes that participants leave the symposia with tools that promote action and accountability, as well as a “commitment to eliminating equity gaps that have been so detrimental to the success of certain segments of our communities — namely communities of color.”
The Real Talk for Real Change symposia series is open to the public, and the partnership between OEDI and PLACE was made possible by the generosity of the Wisconsin Center for Education Products and Services (WCEPS), and the School of Education’s Impact 2030 initiative.
All of the recordings from this fall’s symposia are available at place.education.wisc.edu, and there are plans to continue the series in the spring.
Barker urged alumni to reach out if they want to get involved or have an issue they want to explore. “This is a space where folks can make an impact,” she said.