Office Of Social Equity

West Chester University

13/15 University Avenue
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2433
Fax: 610-436-3164

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WCU For All of Us

The WCU FOR ALL OF US Diversity Lecture Series is offered to the increasingly complex and diverse West Chester University community to heighten our ability to understand and appreciate our differences and to create a respectful environment. The WCU FOR ALL OF US Series is sponsored by the Office of Social Equity.

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• 10 a.m. - noon, 19th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch, Sykes Ballrooms. Tickets required, $35 each available at the SSI Ticket Office. Sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Society.
• 12:15 p.m., WCU Gospel Choir Performance, Theater, Sykes Student Union
• 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., MLK Theater, Musical, Oratory, Francis Harvey Green Library, Special Collections Room, 6th Floor, Room 615
• 3 - 5 p.m., In Dr. King's Memory, Giving Comfort to Others Service Project, Sykes Ballrooms. Fleece blankets will be made for the DuPont Children's Hospital and the Chester County Hospital.
• 4:30 - 7 p.m., Soul Food Dinner, Ram's Head Food Court, Sykes Student Union, $6.50
• 8 p.m. -, Movie Presentation: The Help -Theater, Sykes Student Union

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• Wednesday, February 1, 7:15 p.m. Speaker Dennis Rahiim Watson, Chairman, National Youth and Gang Violence Task Force, will speak on the topic "No Excuses" Success and Achievement in a Globally Competitive World. Theater, Sykes Student Union. Co-sponsored by the Black Student Union, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Social Equity.

• Tuesday, February 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Frederick Douglass Institute Read-In, Philips Autograph Library. Individuals are encouraged to share their favorite short work based on the theme. Traditionally, the Read-In has focused on African American works; however, selections from other cultural groups are welcome. Sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute, for more information contact fdouglass@wcupa.edu.

 

• Wednesday, February 8, 7:15 p.m., Long Lost Love, Theater, Sykes Student Union, Sponsored by the Black Student Union.

• Thursday, February 9, 7 p.m., Poetry Reading by Cornelius Eady, poet, playwright, and co-founder of Cave Canem, a workshop for African American poets. Philips Autograph Library. Presented by the Poetry Center.

 

• Saturday, February 11 – Wednesday, February 15, WCU 22nd Annual Jazz Festival, Presented by the School of Music.

• Saturday, February 11, noon, 22nd Annual Jazz Festival, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater
• Saturday, February 11, 7:30 p.m., The David Sanchez Group, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, $20 adults/$15 students and seniors
• Monday, February 13, noon, Dave Postmontier Trio, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater
• Monday, February 13, 7 p.m., WCU Jazz Sampler, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater, $10 adults/$5 students and seniors
• Tuesday, February 14, noon, Paul Jost’s Tribute to Richard Rogers, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater
• Tuesday, February 14, 8 p.m., WCU Faculty Septet, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater
• Wednesday, February 15, noon, Fred Hersch master class, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater
• Wednesday, February 15, 8 p.m., Fred Hersch, Madeleine Wing Adler Theater

 

• Friday, February 10. Sadie Hawkins Dance. Sponsored by the Black Student Union

• Wednesday, February 15, 7:15 p.m. Life at an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), Theater, Sykes Student Union. Sponsored by the Black Student Union.

 

• Monday, February 20, 7:15 p.m. The Human Experience, screening of the award winning documentary about two young men who set out in search of the meaning of life. Theater, Sykes Student Union. Additional screenings offered in the Theater of Sykes Student Union on
• Tuesday, February 21, 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 22, noon
• Thursday, February 23, 9:30 a.m.

• Wednesday, February 22, 7:15 p.m., Frederick Douglass Pageant, Fashion Show, and Speeches. Theater, Sykes Student Union. Sponsored by the Black Student Union.

 

• Monday and Tuesday, February 27 and 28, 7 p.m. Travel Adventures presents East African Safari, by narrated by Rick Ray. Theater, Sykes Student Union. $8.

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Friday, February 17, 2 – 3 p.m.
Understanding Privilege Project: Ability Privilege
Ballroom C, Sykes Student Union

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join an enlightening discussion of ability privilege as the flip side of disability discrimination. The discussion will be led by co-facilitators Dr. Martin Patwell, Director, Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, and Dr. Kat Ellis, Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology. Sponsored by CCIT, Division of Student Affairs, LGBTQA Services, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Residence Life, Office of Social Equity, University Forum, and the Women’s Center.

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Monday, February 17, 7:30 – 9 p.m.
How to Love Your Body through Thick AND Thin
Main Hall Auditorium, Room 168

Author and activist Ophira Edut will address questions about healthy body image, body image in different cultures, and what challenges we are up against when it comes to loving our bodies. She will share excerpts from her anthology Body Outlaws: Rewriting the Rules of Beauty and Body Image. The lecture will be followed by a brief Q & A and book signing.

Co-sponsored by the Women’s Center, Office of Wellness Education, Student Health Center, Sister-to-Sister Peer Mentors, and the Association for Women’s Empowerment.

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Tuesday, February 21, 6:45 p.m.
REAL Conversations:
All the Questions I Wanted to Ask About Diversity But Was Afraid
Allegheny Hall Theater

Join members of the Residence Life staff for a candid conversation about diversity. A themed dinner will be served. Register with Marcus Harrison at 610-430-4040 or at mharrison@wcupa.edu. Sponsored by the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Funded by the Office of the President through a University Forum Grant.

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Thursday, February 23, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
What Am I Supposed to Say? Strategies for Difficult Conversations in the Campus Community
Part 2: Difficult Conversation Strategies & Techniques
209 Sykes Student Union

Faculty and staff are specialists in the content they teach and the work they perform. However, at any time, difficult conversations, controversial issues, and unassuming words can inadvertently increase animosity and unhealthy conflict without any malice being intended.  This training is designed to help faculty and staff become equipped to take on difficult conversations in an increasingly diverse environment. Participants will leave this training with the skills and the confidence to make the campus community a setting where the opportunity for meaningful discussions about topics is enriched rather than stifled. Part II will cover healthy interpersonal communication strategies, perspective matters, and relevant case studies for the campus community.

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Friday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.
Sacred Earth, by Ragamala Dance
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall

Sacred Earth brings together two ancient Indian visual art traditions, Warli paintings and Kolam rice flour drawings, and gives physical form to the spiritual expression, illustrating the ephemeral nature of our existence and celebrating the ever-renewing cycle of life. Adults $20/Students and Seniors $15.

Sponsored by WCU Live and grants from Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation and the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts.

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Saturday, February 25, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
ADHD at Home, at Work, and in the Classroom
A Conference for Parents, Teachers, Professionals, and Adults with ADHD
Sykes Student Union

Act 48 credits available for Pennsylvania teachers. $40 Individual/$60 Couple after January 31. WCU Faculty and Staff $7. For more information about this conference, please see www.chadd.net/222 or call 610-429-4060.

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Changing the Campus Climate Lecture Series
Mondays, 2 – 3 p.m. Faculty Round Table Discussion, Ballroom C,
Sykes Student Union
Mondays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. Campus Community Presentation,
Theater, Sykes Student Union

Presented by Dr. Kat Ellis, Dr. Monica Lepore, and Dr. Martin Patwell, each of the speakers will discuss different aspects of living with a disability.

• February 27 - Ann Keefer from Temple University will speak on inclusion of students at all levels.
• April 2 – AJ Nanakaraski, a former para-Olympian, will speak about using adaptive equipment.
• April 30 - TBA

For further information, contact Dr. Kat Ellis at Mellis@wcupa.edu. Funded by the Office of the President through a University Forum Grant.

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Wednesday, February 29, noon – 1 p.m.
Lunch & Learn with Free Pizza
Ballroom C, Sykes Student Union

Kate Cipriano ’00, Melissa Hays ’01, and Elisabeth Kalogris are three local women who are passionate about improving body image and self-esteem. Enjoy free pizza while learning about their use of the arts to raise awareness and respect for body image issues and body diversity.

Co-sponsored by the Women’s Center, Office of Wellness Education, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

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Friday, March 2, 7:30 p.m.
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall

The Golden Dragon Acrobats mix award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, and ancient and contemporary theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. Adults $20/Students and Seniors $15. Presented by WCU Live.

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Monday, March 5, 4:30 p.m.
LGBTQA Ally Appreciation Reception
252 Sykes Student Union

All are welcome to come and  hear how much WCU’s LGBTQA students appreciate the LGBTQA Allies.

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Monday, March 5, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
LUNAFEST
Theater, Sykes Student Union

LUNAFEST is a traveling film festival of award-winning short films by and about women. These films will make you laugh, tug at your heartstrings and motivate you to make a difference in your community. Incredibly diverse in style and content, LUNAFEST is united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling. Monetary donations for the Breast Cancer Fund accepted but not required. Sponsored by the Women's Center.

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Thursday, March 8, 12:30 p.m.
Speaking Up About Peer Sexual Harassment
The Women’s Center, 220 Lawrence Center

In cooperation with the Women’s Center, this workshop will present a discussion of student-to-student sexual harassment and how to address it on campus.

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Friday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.
Brian Conway, Billy McComiskey, and Brendan Dolan
An Evening of Traditional Irish Music
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall

Sponsored by WCU Live. Adults $20/Students and Seniors $15. For more information about the artists see www.brianconway.com/.

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Tuesday, March 20, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. and 2 - 4 p.m.
Bayard Rustin Legacy Celebration
Ballroom C, Sykes Student Union

On the occasion of Bayard Rustin’s 100th birthday, a series of speakers will focus on Rustin’s advocacy of nonviolence, his role in the Civil Rights Movement, and his advocacy for equality in terms of race and sexual orientation. A showing of Brother Outsider, an award-winning documentary about Rustin’s life will be held on Wednesday March 21.
Funded by the Office of the President through a University Forum Grant.

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Tuesday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Inclusive Sexual Moralities: A Defense of LGBTA Sexual Relationships
By Dr. Richard McCarty, Mercyherst College
Ballroom B, Sykes Student Union

For too long the ethics of sex and sexuality has been dominated by religious and political "traditionalists" who have wielded a narrow, and thus easily marketable, definition of sexual morality. If we are to create a social environment in which it truly "gets better" for LGBTA people, we must attend to the moral and religious arguments that are used so pervasively against us. While concepts of sexual virtue have tended to promote only abstinence or a heterosexual norm, Dr. McCarty argues that LGBTA people can legitimately recapture concepts of sexual virtue that resonate with the LGBTQ community's commitments to inclusivity.

Sponsored by LGBTQA.

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Tuesday, March 20, 6:45 p.m.
REAL Conversations: It’s Dark, Lonely, But Safe in the Closet:
Why Can’t I Just Be Me and Come Out?
Allegheny Hall Theater

Join members of the Residence Life staff for a candid conversation about being LGBTQ. A themed dinner will be served. Register with Marcus Harrison at 610-430-4040 or at mharrison@wcupa.edu . Sponsored by the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Funded by the Office of the President through a University Forum Grant.

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Wednesday, March 21, 1 – 2 p.m.
What Am I Supposed to Say? Strategies for Difficult Conversations in the Campus Community
Part 1: Really Understanding Diversity & Conflict
209 Sykes Student Union

Faculty and staff are specialists in the content they teach and the work they perform. However, at any time, difficult conversations, controversial issues, and unassuming words can inadvertently increase animosity and unhealthy conflict without any malice being intended.  This training is designed to help faculty and staff become equipped to take on difficult conversations in an increasingly diverse environment. Participants will leave this training with the skills and the confidence to make the campus community a setting where the opportunity for meaningful discussions about topics is enriched rather than stifled. Part I will cover what diversity really is, healthy conflict, and conflict styles that work. Part II will be held on Wednesday, March 28.

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Thursday, March 22
Latino Communities Conference:
Moving Forward through Tides of Change
Sykes Student Union

This interdisciplinary conference provides a creative space for enhancing the understanding of Latino/a issues, contributions, and culture by encouraging academics, practitioners, teachers, faculty, and  students alike to present and engage in the discussions and debates on, for, and with Latino/a communities and their neighbors. For additional information, contact Lstevenson@wcupa.edu .

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Friday, March 23, 2 – 3:15 p.m.
The Understanding Privilege Project: Heterosexual Privilege
Ballroom, C, Sykes Student Union

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join an enlightening discussion of heterosexual privilege as the flip side of homophobia. The discussion will be led by co-facilitators Dr. Lisa Ruchti, Women’s Studies Program and LGBTQA Faculty Advocate, and Dr. Kevin Aptowicz Department of Physics. Sponsored by CCIT, Division of Student Affairs, LGBTQA Services, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Office of Residence Life, Office of Social Equity, University Forum, and the Women’s Center.

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Wednesday, March 28, 1 – 2 p.m.
What Am I Supposed to Say? Strategies for Difficult Conversations in the Campus Community
Part 2: Difficult Conversation Strategies & Techniques
209 Sykes Student Union

Faculty and staff are specialists in the content they teach and the work they perform. However, at any time, difficult conversations, controversial issues, and unassuming words can inadvertently increase animosity and unhealthy conflict without any malice being intended.  This training is designed to help faculty and staff become equipped to take on difficult conversations in an increasingly diverse environment. Participants will leave this training with the skills and the confidence to make the campus community a setting where the opportunity for meaningful discussions about topics is enriched rather than stifled. Part II will cover healthy interpersonal communication strategies, perspective matters, and relevant case studies for the campus community.

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Saturday, March 24
Walk With Frederick Douglas

A walk-a-thon to raise funds for the Douglass Monument and Reflection Garden.

For more information, contact Fdouglass@wcupa.edu .

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Saturday, March 24, 9:00 - 10:30a.m.
Raising a Child with Special Needs
213 Recitation Hall

Raising a child with special needs can be joyful and challenging at the same time. Come hear five families discuss their experiences in raising a child with special needs including cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, developmental delay, and an intellectual disability. Professionals and future professionals working with children with special needs in all fields will benefit from this presentation. For more information, contact Kdoan@wcupa.edu.

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Monday, March 26, 7 p.m.
More than a Few Good Men:
American Manhood and Violence Against Women
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall

This provocative presentation will discuss rape, sexual harassment, abuse in college dating relationships, and other forms of gender-based discrimination and violence. This is not the typical lecture about men behaving badly, instead, Jackson Katz combines irreverent humor with unpleasant reality to inspire men and women to confront one of the most serious problems facing college students today: men’s violence against women. Jackson Katz is one of America's leading anti-sexist male activists. An educator, author and filmmaker, he is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in the field of gender violence prevention education with men and boys.

Sponsored by WCU Athletics, the Women’s Center, and the Division of Student Affairs. Funded in part by the Office of the President through a University Forum Grant.

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March 26 – 31
Celebration of Jelaluddin Rumi

Rumi, a 13th Century Muslim poet, feeds the American appetite for easy-to-digest wisdom and morality. He is a best-selling poet in America today because his poetry is simple, clear, and speak the truth, no matter what religion you call your own. Poetry News

• Monday – Saturday, March 26 – 31.  Illuminating Rumi Art Exhibit – Knauer Gallery. Rumi’s popularity here is largely the work of translator Coleman Barks and artist Michael Green who collaborated to create the best-seller The Illuminated Rumi. Green expands his vision to turn the Knauer Gallery into sacred space with a large-scale installation of work.

• Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.  One Song: The Poetry of Rumi, Music, and the Clash of Civilizations Poetry Reading – Gates Recital Hall. Michael Green, a practicing Sufi, will be joined by musical friends as he explores Rumi’s ability to give voice to the mysteries of the human spirit.

• Saturday, March 31, 7:30 p.m. The Illumination Band – Madeleine Wing Adler Theater. $10 General Public/Students free. The Illumination Band has taken Rumi’s verse and married it to bluegrass, gospel, and Appalachian musical traditions. Soaring vocal harmonies, lilting melodies, and soulful blues give way to spoken-word poems.

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Tuesday, March 27, 10 a.m.
Title IX Investigative Training

The Office of Social Equity relies on trained faculty and staff volunteers to assist with fact finding for complaints of discrimination and harassment. We will have a team of lawyers from PASSHE on campus to provide this training. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Office of Social Equity at 610-436-2433 or by email to Bschneller@wcupa.edu to register.

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Thursday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.
Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance Troupe
Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall

Nearly 30 drummers and dancers from Tamagawa University return to our campus for an athletic and graceful performance that includes thundering Taiko drumming and Japanese folkloric dance. General admission $5. Sponsored by WCU Live.

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Thursday, April 12, 11:30 - 1 and 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Cyber-bullying & Digital Citizenship
11:30 a.m. Brown Bag Lunch, Philips Autograph Library
3:30 p.m. Lecture, Theater, Sykes Student Union

Author Patricia Agatson, Ph.D. will discuss the topics of cyber-bullying and digital citizenship. Co-sponsored by ISEEK Institute, Office of Residence Life and Housing, LGBTQA, and the Inter-fraternity Council. For more information, contact Repstein@wcupa.edu.

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Tuesday, April 17, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Equal Pay Day Bake Sale
Lobby, Sykes Student Union

April 17 is Equal Pay Day and the Women’s Center is having a bake sale to educate the campus community about the wage gap between men’s and women’s earnings. Since women on average make less than men, women will get a discount for delicious baked goods! Proceeds go towards the University affiliation with the American Association of University Women.

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Tuesday, April 17, 6:45 p.m.
REAL Conversations: Are You Comfortable with the Skin You’re In?
Allegheny Hall Theater

Join members of the Residence Life staff for a candid conversation about press-on nails, watching the scale, and tanning, and consider your own comfort level with the skin you’re in. A themed dinner will be served. Register with Marcus Harrison at 610-430-4040 or at mharrison@wcupa.edu. Sponsored by the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Funded by the Office of the President through a University Forum Grant.

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Monday, April 23, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Take Back the Night
Patio of Lawrence Center

Take Back the Night is an annual anti-violence event for women and men. The event kicks off with a short rally, followed by an empowerment march for women. Men who support anti-violence are encouraged to attend a bystander intervention workshop led by other male students. Afterward there will be a “speak out” in the Women’s Center where people will be able to share their own experiences with violence and support one another.

Co-sponsored by the Women’s Center, Office for Wellness Education, and the Association for Women’s Empowerment.

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April 12, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dr. Patricia Grasty Gaines Multicultural Leadership Awards Dinner

The Multicultural Leadership Awards Dinner is held annually in memory of our own Dr. Patricia Grasty Gaines, an African American woman and a well-respected professor, who was instrumental in advancing the understanding and importance of multicultural education throughout the region.  Dr. Grasty Gaines, who died in 1999, was co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Institute and faculty member at West Chester University for thirty years in the Department of Literacy. This dinner is sponsored by the Frederick Douglas Institute.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Institute at 610-436-2766 or by email at fdouglass@wcupa.edu

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