Since 2017, Dr. Carolyn Corrado (Sociology) has been organizing regular conversations on ways educators handle the topics of race and racism in the classroom environment.  This will be an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to discuss what goes on in their classes and offices.  Our focus will be on building a more inclusive and welcoming environment of all who claim, “we are SUNY New Paltz.”  We will have a constructive and productive conversation in which the goal will be learning from each other and voicing many perspectives on the meaning of diversity and how this concept enriches classroom discussion.

Date:  Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Time:  3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Location:  CSB Auditorium

Panelists

• Anthony Dandridge (Black Studies)
• Mark Colvson (Sojourner Truth Library)
• Vanessa Plumly (German, WGSS and Jewish Studies)
• Reynolds Scott-Childress (History)
• Carolyn Corrado (Sociology, Latin American & Caribbean Studies)

A little history:

September 12, 2018, Shepard Recital Hall

Carolyn Corrado (Sociology) hosted a panel that featured Crystal Donkor (English), Tyrell Connor (Sociology) and Michael Smith (Teaching & Learning).  Over 103 students, staff and faculty attended.  This was the first time we invited students to join the conversation, and there’s no going back! (although we will continue our “building inclusive classrooms” workshops for professional and academic faculty).

February 21, 2018 Carolyn Corrado (Sociology) led a round table discussion for faculty and staff.  Panelists included:

• Carolyn Corrado (Sociology)
• Kiersten Greene (Teaching & Learning)
• Anne Roschelle (Sociology)
• Sharina Maillo-Pozo (Languages, Literatures & Cultures)
• Jessica Pabón  (WGSS)

Fall, 2017 Our first Talking about Race in the Classroom session included panelists

• Jonathan Rust (Psychology)
• Tyrell Connor (Sociology)
• Carolyn Corrado  (Sociology)
• Shannon McManimon (Educational Studies and Leadership)

Our highly successful Spring 2017 community event centered on Claudia Rankine’s Citizen and brought together over 75 people.  Raine Grayson coordinated student performances and interpretations of the meaning of citizenship.

Thank you to the devoted faculty and students who made these events such a success.