Today’s scheduled Conversation is cancelled due to bad weather and unreliable travel conditions to campus.  My apologies.

This week the SUNY New Paltz College Council meets to consider whether to rename buildings named for original Huguenot settlers who owned slaves.  The choice seems obvious to many of us: some in our community are in pain, let’s fix it – a moral wrong exists, let’s right it.  Yet for others, these arguments are not enough: there are more important issues facing our country – we shouldn’t let one historic evil erase all the subsequent good.  And no matter which side “wins” many are experiencing deep pain around the question.  Why is this so hard?  Care to discuss?

Conversation One is a weekly dialog on issues of inclusion and diversity, open to everyone, regardless of background – students, staff, faculty, members of the wider community are all welcome.  If you feel angry, scared, confused or just curious, you’re invited to come and work toward understanding, healing, and strengthening our community, even where we feel deeply divided.

Conversation One
Wednesday, Feb 20, @ 4:30 PM [Late arrivals/early departures are welcome!]
Sojourner Truth Library Conference Room (M39)

EVERYONE is welcome to join in the Conversation: staff/faculty, students, community members. Any religion, or no religion, any political affiliation, or none.  No special expertise needed.

Come prepared to listen generously and with a willingness to learn.  Our goal is to speak from our lived experience, and to be mindful of the feelings of others.  More detail in our Mission and Values.

To be sure to get all updates, join the mailing list.

Asked at last week’s wonderful panel discussion: “How can we make a conversation feel more open to those who feel unwelcome to the conversation?” Terrific discussion followed, with some particularly courageous and challenging comments. Do you feel unwelcome in the conversation on racism at New Paltz? Do you know others who do? Come, listen and be heard…

Conversation One
Wednesday, Feb 13, @ 4:30 PM [Late arrivals/early departures are welcome!]
Sojourner Truth Library Conference Room (M39)

EVERYONE is welcome to join in the Conversation: staff/faculty, students, community members. Any religion, or no religion, any political affiliation, or none.  No special expertise needed.

Come prepared to listen generously and with a willingness to learn.  Our goal is to speak from our lived experience, and to be mindful of the feelings of others.  More detail in our Mission and Values.

“Today’s Topic” is just a suggestion.  You are always welcome to bring whatever is challenging, or hurting, or encouraging you in your life.

To be sure to get all updates, join the mailing list.

Please Join Us!

“Continuing the Conversation: Talking Constructively About Race in the Classroom -A Panel Discussion for Students, Faculty & Staff”

Panelists Anthony Dandridge (Black Studies) Vanessa Plumly (German, WGSS and Jewish Studies) Reynolds Scott-Childress (History) Carolyn Corrado (Sociology, Latin American & Caribbean Studies) Mark Colvson (Sojourner Truth Library) will lead a panel discussion on ways  educators handle the topics of race and racism in the classroom environment.