diversity • inclusion • community • justice
John L. Jackson Jr. raises some provocative questions in a recent contribution to the Chronicle of Higher Education:
Last month Pres. Obama signed the Matthew Shepard - James Byrd jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act which extended the definition of federal hate crimes to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Matthew Shepard died as a result of a brutal homophobic attack in Laramie Wyoming in 1992. James Byrd Jr., and Afircan American, died in June of 1998 in Jasper Texas when he assaulted and dragged behind a truck for threee miles until his death.
Read about the bill in this article on the NAACP website, and here in the Washington Post.
Formerly known as the Common Ground Small Grants program, the Inclusive Community Fund provides funding for campus projects designed to promote an inclusive community on campus and create learning opportunities across differences. Students or employees may apply for funding for projects that enhance classroom learning, explore different cultures, or investigate issues of social justice. Past funded projects have included theatre productions, student or faculty-promoted cultural events, class field trips, or guest speakers. Your innovative and challenging ideas are welcome! For more information go to the Common Ground website or contact Lisa Miles at 484-1655.
