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Schools

Friday: Historic Spelman Summit Explores Difference, Inclusivity, Gender and Sexual Politics at HBCUs

On Friday, April 29, 2011, nine historically black colleges and universities will gather at Spelman College for the historic summit, “Facilitating Campus Climates of Pluralism, Inclusivity, and Progressive Change at HBCUs,” to examine institutional climate issues around diversity, inclusion, gender and sexuality at HBCUs.

Launched by the Spelman College Women’s Research and Resource Center from a grant received from the Arcus Foundation three years ago, the advocacy project is the first time a range of HBCUs will convene to engage in dialogue about lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender issues on Black college campuses.

During the summit, leading experts and practitioners will present important research findings, offer recommendations, and facilitate dialogue about how to move forward in establishing open and inclusive environments for LGBT students, staff, and faculty on college campuses.

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Research findings include analyses of the nature of resistance to exploring LGBT issues on campuses as well as reflections on the part of LGBT alumni about their experiences as undergraduates.

A broad range of recommendations will be discussed including instituting training modules on sexual orientation and gender identity as a regular component of new and ongoing staff and faculty orientation, and including activities on campus calendars that are designed to increase awareness, promote critical dialogue, and engage scholarship about LGBT people and communities.

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In addition to Spelman, HBCUs participating in the one-day summit include Bennett College for Women, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Southern University, North Carolina Central University, Philander Smith College, Morehouse College, Southern University, and Morgan State University. The audience will consist of administrators, faculty, staff, and students as well as LGBT community advocates from across the country.

The summit is free and open to the public. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cosby Academic Center (350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta). To pre-register, call 404-270-5627. To learn more about the summit, visit http://www.spelman.edu/about_us/distinction/womenscenter/events.shtml

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