A full house takes in the University's inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Symposium

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"Diversity has always been about more than diversity."

With that, Maribel Alvarez, interim associate vice provost for diversity and inclusion, opened the University's inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Symposium last week.

"There has been a growing sentiment that diversity is not enough, so we have added recently more words, like equity, inclusion and justice, as correctives to what may be lacking in the diversity concept itself," said Alvarez, an associate research professor who holds the Jim Griffith Chair in Public Folklore at the Southwest Center.

The symposium was the culmination of the University's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week, which included sessions organized around the University's six core values: integrity, compassion, exploration, adaptation, inclusion and determination. Other events included donation drives, an interfaith service and a social media campaign asking users to share how King's legacy has shaped their lives.

Organizers of the two-day symposium had planned a robust in-person event but had to quickly pivot to an all-virtual format in response to concerns about the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant. Despite the change, Denise TrimbleSmith, project director with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, said demand was strong. The office capped registration at 500, and all the virtual seats were filled.

Centering on the theme of "Harnessing the power of diversity, every Wildcat, every day," the symposium featured speakers and breakout sessions with a goal of sparking dialogue that would continue beyond the two days of the symposium. Based on feedback from attendees, that goal was achieved, TrimbleSmith said.

"I think that folks liked that the presenters were their peers, that they are people they could see in the Union or go have coffee with. They like that, after the conference, they could email them and follow up," she added.

Highlights from a few of the sessions are below.

'Diversity is the Low Bar'

Alvarez delivered Thursday's keynote, "Diversity is the Low Bar," presenting an argument that organizations that simply focus on diversity can unintentionally end up in a "race to the bottom."

"The evidence is clear: In board rooms all over the United States and the globe, it is proven that diverse teams and organizations improve decision making and lead to better problem solving, foster creativity, flexibility and innovation," Alvarez said. "I like to call this aspect of diversity 'the presumption of beneficence.' It's so common sense today that it has produced an effect that neutralizes diversity to the point of redundancy."

Alvarez challenged university diversity offices to navigate equity challenges by being simultaneously transformative and tactical, visionary and viable, and prophetic and pragmatic.

'Racism 2.0'

Diversity and inclusion efforts need to evolve because racism evolves. That was one of the messages delivered by Friday's keynote speaker, Frederick W. Gooding Jr., author and associate professor in the John V. Roach Honors College at Texas Christian University.

In his talk, "Racism 2.0," Gooding said the concept is not overt and can be difficult to detect, saying it often exists in patterns "hidden in plain sight." One key to combating that type of unconscious bias, he said, is for people to acknowledge their privilege, whether it's based on race, socioeconomic status, ability or other factors. Even as a Black man living as part of a marginalized community, Gooding provided examples of when he experiences privilege.

In a lighthearted example, Gooding talked about a time he was traveling in coach on a plane and was offered an upgrade to first class. While just about anyone would take the upgrade (which he happily did), it's important to recognize and acknowledge the experience of the travelers in coach, he said. He further illustrated the point with a picture of a building with two paths to the front door – a short staircase and a long, winding ramp. While stating that he would take the staircase, Gooding stressed the importance of acknowledging that others with disabilities may not have that option.

"I wasn't saying you must take the ramp," Gooding said. "All I'm saying is just don't tell me you don't see the ramp."

'Diversity and Inclusion Through Hip-Hop'

Breakout sessions gave University faculty members an opportunity to share their areas of expertise with colleagues and the campus community. Praise Zenenga, associate professor and director of Africana studies, and Barbea Williams, adjunct instructor in the School of Dance, highlighted the role that hip-hop and dance play in promoting diversity, inclusion and cultural dialogue.

Zenenga discussed how that openness is represented by the cypher, or hip-hop dance circle.

"Since its origins, the hip-hop cypher represents openness to other cultures, races, ethnicities, nationalities, constituencies and perspectives," Zenenga said. "I contend that this openness constantly enriches the culture and boosts its longevity, while simultaneously transforming it from a localized culture into a national and global cultural practice."

Williams added perspective about hip-hop dance, and its role in transforming violent conflict into friendly contests among young people of all races and ethnicities.

Looking ahead

Planning is already underway for next year's event, with hopes that it can be held in person, TrimbleSmith said, adding that she is exploring the possibility of partnering with other organizations to offer certification opportunities during future symposiums.

In the meantime, those who registered for the conference will soon be able to access videos of all of the presentations through the Whova virtual conference platform app.

The Inclusive Excellence Awards, which were slated to be presented during the symposium, are now planned for May 2. More information will be shared at a later date.