The University of Hawaiʻi is hosting the online webinar series Religious Diversity and Counteracting Bias, Antisemitism, and Islamophobia, September 23–27. The series is available to the students, faculty and staff to the 10-campus system.
“All of us in the UH ʻohana bring our own backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to our campus” said UH President David Lassner. “These differences are part of who we are and can strengthen us as a community. This webinar series is designed to help us all foster learning, living and work climates that are welcoming, respectful and free of discrimination, and I encourage everyone to attend as much as they can.”
The webinar series was organized by the Office of the Vice President for Community Colleges System Office of Compliance, EEO/AA, and Title IX with contributions from offices across UH.
Series schedule
The first half of the series aims to develop attendee’s foundational understanding and core tools, essential to cultivating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment.
- Frameworks for Understanding Diverse Religious Traditions & Worldview Differences (more information and registration), September 23, 12 p.m.
- Navigating Difficult Conversations: A Skills Workshop for Diverse & Inclusive Communities (more information and registration), September 24, 12 p.m.
The second half of the series will focus on addressing discrimination, Antisemitism and Islamophobia—their histories, causes, and manifestations—and what we can do to address racial and religious prejudice.
- Honoring our Shared Humanity, a panel of interfaith speakers will discuss the impact of bigotry and strategies to address bias (more information and registration), September 26, 12 p.m.
- What is Antisemitism? (more information and registration), September 27, 10 a.m.
- Addressing Islamophobia (more information and registration), September 27, 12 p.m.
“Too often people experience discrimination, harassment, or even violence because of how they look or how they worship,” said Jessica Shaffer, investigator and compliance officer in the Office of Compliance, EEO/AA, and Title IX. “Learning about different religious, worldview, and ethnic identities is a key part in stopping hate in all its forms. Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that we share time as a UH community to learn what we can do to show others that they are seen, respected, and that they belong.”
UH is committed to maintaining and promoting safe and respectful campus environments free from discrimination, harassment, and violence, and we have adopted policies prohibiting such misconduct. If you have concerns related to harassment, discrimination, or violence, please know that help is available. Visit the Equity Explored website to learn more about support resources and options for reporting misconduct.
