Registration Now Open for 2021 Diversity Forum

Registration is now open for the 2021 Diversity Forum, to be held July 26-29. You can also get involved with the event through artwork and presentations.

The aim of the forum, themed Dismantling Oppressive Systems: Building Just Communities, is to engage and equip participants with the knowledge, skills and resources to identify sources of systemic oppression, consider strategies for dismantling that oppression and take actions critical to fostering more equitable and just communities.

Workshops will be held to examine the systemic, institutionalized nature of oppression, the manifestations of systemic power dynamics within higher education and broader social contexts, as well as the impacts of different forms of oppression on individuals, groups, and society. Participants will also discuss theories of racial/social identity development that can help in understanding oneself, others and intergroup dynamics in the context of implementing social justice efforts. 

Registrants will receive access to the forum workshop schedule and selection information when it is finalized. There is no cost to participate, and all are welcome.

Art of Diversity Showcase

The Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and the Center for Creativity are also looking to share your creative projects as part of this year’s Art of Diversity Showcase.

All members of the Pitt community and the Pittsburgh region are invited to submit creative work of any kind, from visual art to writing to performance. The pieces should expand diversity consciousness and embrace and celebrate minoritized cultures and perspectives. 

Work will be displayed on University websites and social media channels with artist attribution. All entries are eligible for award distinctions, and awardees will be announced during the forum. Submit your artwork by July 9.

Poster presentations

The forum also welcomes all members of the Pitt community and community at-large to submit virtual poster presentation proposals. Presentations should exhibit research, community-based efforts and educational initiatives designed to address or eliminate inequities of any type in communities. Poster presentation videos will be submitted and recorded on FlipGrid (code to be sent after submission review) and will be available throughout the duration of the forum. Submit your proposal by July 16.