Series of activities to explore 'Democracy, Civility, and Freedom of Expression'

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion is introducing a programmatic theme for 2020: "Democracy, Civility, and Freedom of Expression." Throughout the spring semester, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to engage in conversations about and consider the importance of each element of the theme. Activities and events will include interactive workshops, inspiring performances, high-impact public speakers and innovative conversational gatherings.

EVENTS

Jan. 20: Day of Service Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Featured community partner: United Way of Greater Lafayette. Volunteers will celebrate the legacy of King by serving with local community service agencies in Tippecanoe County. Student organizations can sign up to be matched with volunteer opportunities by emailing vpacheco@purdue.edu.

Jan. 21 and 22: UNH PowerPlay training labs
The University of New Hampshire’s PowerPlay Interactive Development program provides attendees an innovative opportunity to cultivate bias awareness and intervention strategies through interactive theatre. Facilitated by bias researcher Stephanie Goodwin, each training lab features several customized scenes during which actors portray everyday moments of bias and invite participants to explore possible responses.

Four free, interactive development training labs will be offered. Those interested in participating are encouraged to register via the links below.

• Undergraduate students -- 6-9 p.m. Jan. 21, Purdue Memorial Union, South Ballroom. Register for this session
• Graduate and professional students -- 2:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Stewart Center, Room 206. Register for this session
• Faculty and staff -- Two training labs are available: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Purdue Memorial Union, South Ballroom, or 8:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 22, Stewart Center, Room 206. Register for either session

Jan. 22: MLK Celebration speakers – former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake.
7-9 p.m. Stewart Center, Loeb Playhouse. Free. General admission tickets will be required and will be available starting Jan. 13 at the Purdue box offices. Moderated by Cheryl Cooky, University Senate chair and associate professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Lynch and Flake will discuss King's legacy and introduce the theme of "Democracy, Civility, and Freedom of Expression."

Various dates January-April – Democracy, Civility, and Freedom of Expression gatherings
Throughout the spring semester, the Division of Diversity and Inclusion will invite students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to gather for conversational groups engaging in the theme. Prospective participants may join by providing their availability for the following free events, which will be repeated throughout the semester.

• Sunday dinners – 5-7 p.m.
• Monday lunches – 11:30-1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday dinners – 6-8 p.m.
• Wednesday breakfasts – 8:30-10:30 a.m.
• Thursday dinners – 6-8 p.m.
• Friday coffees – 2-4 p.m.

Use this link to indicate available days from these options. Once matched with a specific gathering, guests will receive an email notification confirming the date and time of their event. A second email, sent one week before the event, will contain the location of the gathering.

Feb. 19: Panel event: "Religion, Polarization, and the Public Space"
6-8 p.m. Stewart Center, Loeb Playhouse. Free. General admission tickets will be required. Tickets available next semester at Purdue box offices. This panel will discuss the role of religion in the pursuit of democracy, civility and the freedom of expression and the challenges posed by increasing polarization in public discourse as it relates to religious identity and expression. A religiously diverse panel of well-known public intellectuals will explore this topic and others via conversation and contemplation. More information about this event, including panelist names will be announced soon.

March 10: Concert event: Joint Performance by the Morehouse and Purdue Glee Clubs
7:30-9 p.m. Loeb Playhouse. Free. General admission tickets will be required for this event. Tickets available next semester at Purdue box offices.

March 31: Panel event: "The Role of the Media in Democracy Now"
7:30-9 p.m. Stewart Center, Loeb Playhouse. Free. General admission tickets will be required and will be available next semester at Purdue box offices. A distinguished panel of media professionals from multiple news agencies will convene for a timely and insightful conversation about the ever-changing landscape of the role of media in our democracy. More information about this event, including panelist names will be announced in January.

April 8: Special event: Purdue in One Room
Time and location to be announced next semester. Free. General admission tickets will be required for this event and will be available at Purdue box offices. As the culmination of the semester, students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members will gather for “Purdue in One Room,” a celebration of constructive dialogue. The event also will feature a special guest speaker to be announced.

Several events and programs connected to the Democracy, Civility, and Freedom of Expression theme are being planned by campus collaborators. Details will be available early next semester. Units interested in planning or hosting an event that connects with the theme should send information to diversity@purdue.edu.

For more information visit, www.purdue.edu/diversity-inclusion/events.