Next week is Identity Week, celebrating the diversity and intersectionality of the Syracuse University community. With the help of the Dean of Students Office and cross campus partners, Identity Week will include events, speakers and guided conversations to promote the recognition of self-perceived identity, assigned identity and the many factors that contribute to both.
“Given the challenges our country and our campus have faced related to identity within the past year, STOP Bias found it important to continue the Identity Week tradition started by the Barnes Center at The Arch,” says Deka Dancil ’14, Dean of Students Office manager of bias response and education. “We have put together a mix of focused bias education as well as cultural awareness engagements that highlight various identities, the challenges or beauty that can accompany them. Through these events and initiated conversations we hope to encourage students to become cognizant of the identities they hold, the influence their identity has on how they are encountered by the world and the impact this has on our campus and beyond.”
Throughout the week, the campus community is invited to explore identity-based cross campus resources and events. Check out the All In? webpage for event information and how to register.
Major Events and Targeted Hate
On Monday, Feb. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. ET, take a look at our country’s history through several major events that sparked a rise in discrimination and attacks on varying groups of people. This workshop will explore the recent rise in anti-Asian racism and Xenophobia following the coronavirus pandemic as well as how we can address these issues as active bystanders.
Exploring Leadership Development and Identity
On Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 5 to 6 p.m. ET, learn more about how identity impacts how we navigate communities but also how we process and express our leadership styles. This program will be an interactive discussion exploring the differences between being an ally and advocate, and how it impacts and influences your leadership development.
Addressing Anti-Semitism Training
Join Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse Hillel and the STOP Bias initiative on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET, for an informative and interactive session developed for Syracuse students to engage in a safe space on the topic of anti-Semitism. Learn about the impact of anti-Semitism on our campus, and ways in which we can all foster a more inclusive campus culture.
Within the past year, both our nation and our campus experienced the harsh realities of anti-Black racism. On Friday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. ET, participate in a lively discussion aimed at unpacking the meaning and manifestations of anti-Blackness on our campus and in the United States.
Additional events throughout the week include:
For more information or to request accommodations, please contact Deka Dancil ’14, Dean of Students Office manager of bias response and education, at tadancil@syr.edu or by calling 315.443.2622.
Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience graduate assistant Alana Boyd G’21, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
