Campus & Community

Let’s Talk About Current Issues Welcomes Open Dialogue

Wednesday, April 21, 2021, By Gabrielle Lake

The Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion are hosting Let’s Talk About Current Issues support sessions for students and staff, offering a space to share thoughts, feelings and experiences as they process current events.

“We acknowledge that there is a lot to process for students and staff in light of recent events, like the surge in anti-Asian racism and the Derek Chauvin Trial. It is important that we provide these spaces to be heard, find community, and receive support and resources,” shares Huey Hsiao, associate director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Kessler Program.

These virtual discussions are part of a significant inventory of support provided by the University. Information and resources available on campus and in the community will also be shared during the sessions.

“Our communities have faced unprecedented and significant challenges this past year caused by the pandemic and ongoing anti-Black racially motivated violence,” says Jorge A. Castillo, director of the LGBTQ Resource Center. “We hope that these sessions provide a space for our students and colleagues to feel less isolated and find community and resources.”

Visit the All In? webpage for a full schedule of sessions through the end of the academic year.

“At such a pivotal time in our nation’s history, it is incredibly crucial that we have these spaces to process and discuss these important issues as a community,” shared Justine Hastings ’21, president of the Student Association.

For questions or to request accommodations, please contact Jorge A. Castillo, by emailing jcasti09@syr.edu or Huey Hsiao, by emailing huhsiao@syr.edu or calling 315.443.9676.

Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience graduate assistant Alana Boyd G’21, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.