Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin State University Office of Multicultural Affairs’ sixth annual Diversity Conference will highlight the difference between discussing and demonstrating diversity.
“We talk about diversity, but is this diversity we speak of an actual representation of the diversity people see?” said Jalon Berry, OMA assistant director. “That’s why this year’s conference theme is ‘Diversity vs. Diverse-I-See.’”
Through the conference, the OMA aims to spread diversity and inclusion on the SFA campus and within the Nacogdoches community by inviting speakers to present diversity-related information and experiences to conference attendees.
“Our goal is to educate attendees that being passionate about social justice, diversity and inclusion by serving as an ally is more than just a verbal commitment,” Berry said. “It means that one must engage in actual work to showcase their commitment.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Michara Delaney-Fields, SFA’s newly-appointed assistant dean of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Delaney-Fields oversees services and programs that provide access to all students, including Counseling Services, Disability Services, the Veterans Resource Center and Health Services.
Throughout the day, presenters will host breakout sessions on the second floor of the student center discussing various issues, such as fat shaming, gender, race and more.
The sixth annual Diversity Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom. Check-in and on-site registration will be from 8:30 to 9 a.m.
Registration is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided to those who pre-register. Registration is available at sfasu.edu/oma.
For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at oma@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1073.