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OIDE Presents 10-Week Series to Put 'New Normal' in Focus
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) will host a series of virtual events for ESF and community partners designed to help audiences claim knowledge and self-care in the face of unprecedented change.
Hosted by Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Malika Carter of ESF's Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (OIDE), the 60-minute sessions are free. Carter welcomes experts in the various fields addressed in the sessions to serve as panelists. To participate as a panelist, email InclusiveExcellence@esf.edu
The New Normal in Focus: A Vision Forward For Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Live Virtual Experience is inspired by pre- and post-pandemic work done to address bias, harassment, discrimination in the Syracuse community and in institutional work and learning spaces.
Passionate disagreements, divisive protests, insensitivity toward those who think differently, and an increase in acts of bias often accompany presidential election years, according to Carter. "Add in 2020's pandemic and a world civil rights movement, and the challenges multiply. The First and 14th amendments to the Constitution of the United States, including rights to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association prevail in cities and campuses."
These 10 weeks of free, interactive virtual experiences that are accompanied by handy policies, will help participants understand their rights and responsibilities in the face of unprecedented change and discuss freedom of expression within the boundaries of lawful behavior and policy. Each weeks' session has a focus that will inspire people's attention and participation.
Session schedule
Monday, Aug. 31, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Demonstrations (Focus)
National Elections and Campus Strategies: A Community Guide to the 2020 Political Season
Discussion Topics: Free speech, public vs. private institutions, restrictions on free speech, criminal acts; time, place and manner restrictions; harassment, defamation, hate speech, commercial speech, using speech effectively, creating space to listen, understanding, different forms of engagement, the right to peaceful assembly, and interacting with administrators
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1 to 2 p.m.
Personal Safety & Security Campus (Adapt)
Strategies to promote and provide a safe learning, living, working, and campus environment for community members and visitors
Discussion Topics: Criminal acts, harassment, hate speech, the right to peaceful assembly, understanding different forms of engagement, city ordinances
Monday, Sept. 14, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Personal Code of Conduct (Connect)
Reaffirm the principle of freedom coupled with personal responsibility and accountability for individual action
Discussion Topics: Public vs. private Institutions; time, place and manner restrictions; hate speech, restrictions on free speech
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1 to 2 p.m.
Discrimination & Harassment Conduct (Commit)
Commit to creating and maintaining a community in which we are free from all forms of harassment and discrimination, consistent with college obligations under federal and state law. Help us recognizes the long-lasting and detrimental effects of discrimination and harassment on individuals and our entire community
Discussion Topics: Public vs. private institutions; time, place and manner restrictions; harassment, defamation, hate speech, using speech effectively, understanding different forms of engagement; interacting with ESF's anti-bias instrument
Monday, Sept. 28, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Solicitation (Flexibility)
Learn how Commercial and Non-Commercial Solicitation are governed by policies, procedures, and guidelines
Discussion Topics: Free speech; time, place and manner restrictions; harassment; using speech effectively; creating space to listen; understanding different forms of engagement, the right to peaceful assembly, interacting with administrators.
Monday, Oct. 5, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Temporary Structures (Construct)
Learn about responsible stewardship of institutional resources and to protect the safety of persons and the security of property
Discussion Topics: Free speech; public vs. private institutions, restrictions on free speech, criminal acts; time, place and manner restrictions; defamation; the right to peaceful assembly, interacting with administrators
Monday, Oct. 12, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Facilities & Grounds Use (Re-Grounding)
Discuss infrastructure to protect the safety of persons and security of property, and maintain aesthetic appearance
Discussion Topics: Public vs. private institutions, criminal acts, harassment, defamation, hate speech, commercial speech, creating space to listen, understanding different forms of engagement, the right to peaceful assembly, interacting with administrators
Monday, Oct. 19, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Weapons & Explosives (Encounter)
Discuss circumstances related to the use of objects or substances designed or used to inflict a wound, cause injury, or incapacitate
Discussion Topics: Public vs. private institutions, criminal acts, creating space to listen, understanding different forms of engagement, the right to peaceful assembly
Monday, Oct. 26, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Public Speech/ Speakers (Amplify)
Histories and current expressions of thought in academic and community spaces
Discussion Topics: Free speech, public vs. private institutions, restrictions on free speech, criminal acts; time, place and manner restrictions; harassment, defamation; hate speech, commercial speech, using speech effectively, creating space to listen; understanding, different forms of engagement, the right to peaceful assembly, interacting with administrators
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1 to 2 p.m.
Political Activities (Multiply)
Unpack ways in which learning and community-building programs attempt to address and unpack systemic barriers related to identity, space and place.
Discussion Topics: Free speech, public vs. private institutions, restrictions on free speech, criminal acts; time, place and manner restrictions; harassment, defamation, hate speech, commercial speech, using speech effectively, creating space to listen; understanding, different forms of engagement, the right to peaceful assembly, interacting with administrators.