State of the State Conference focuses on equity, opportunity and diversity

BOWLING GREEN, O.—Representatives across the spectrum will converge on Bowling Green State University March 21 for the annual State of the State Conference, where close to 200 Ohioans will come together to engage in conversation about issues in equity, opportunity and diversity. The event is slated from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

The discount, advance registration deadline is March 15. After that, rates will increase.

The theme of the 17th annual conference is “Creating an Inclusive Environment for Many Voices” and is designed for human resource professionals; EEO/AA professionals; representatives from industries ranging from health care to education to business in both the private and public sector, as well as students.

Prominent anti-racist writer and educator Tim Wise will give the keynote address at 12:15 p.m.  Wise has written six books and contributed essays to 25 others. He provides anti-racism training to educators nationwide and trains physicians and other medical professionals on combating racial inequities in health care. Recently named one of “25 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in 49 states, on over 600 college campuses, and has lectured internationally on racism.

Michelle Alexander, an Ohio State University faculty member and former director of the Civil Rights Clinic at Stanford Law School, will speak at 3:15 p.m. Alexander spearheaded a national campaign against racial profiling by law enforcement and litigated civil rights cases in both private practice and the nonprofit sector.

Over 20 plenary and breakout sessions will feature experts in areas of micro-aggressions, transgender and LGBT issues, affirmative action, disability issues in the workplace, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, cultural competence and creating inclusive environments.

Continuing education credits are available to participants. To register or for more information, visit http://www.bgsu.edu/sosconference or call the Center for Multicultural Affairs at 419-372-2642.

###

(Posted March 04, 2013 )