Diversity Dialogue Project

The Dialogue sessions are guided by trained student-facilitators skilled at creating and maintaining frank and respectful exchanges of opinions and life experiences.

Unlike traditional classroom settings, there are no set agendas.

Topics of conversation are decided on by the participants themselves in the course of the conversation.

Facilitators are neither teachers nor experts or critics instructing dialogue participants in what (and how) to think.

The Sessions

The topics discussed during DDP sessions are always chosen by its participants, not the facilitators or the DDP executive team.

Past topis have included workplace discrimination, colorism, Gamming & diversity, violence, islamophobia, Greek life, religion, whiteness, interracial dating, slavery, ‘colorblindness’ and terrorism.

The conversations are small group meetings (up to 15 people) and last one hour.

Session are currently held virtually using Zoom.

Trained undergraduates introduce topics and keep the conversations flowing.

Participants are encouraged to share personal experiences and explore assumptions, biases, and opinions about diversity.

Support

The DDP is supported by several campus units. The Office of the Provost provides primary funding.

The Frederick Douglass Institute for Intercultural Affairs provides one half-time Graduate Assistant Position to assist with training, scheduling and communication.

The Center for Multicultural Affairs and Inclusive Education allows the use of their facility for dialogue sessions when we have face-to-face sessions.

Faculty members from English, Sociology, and Philosophy direct the program.