Each spring, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the University Committee on Equity and Inclusion, hosts the Symposium on Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice. Launched in 2019, this symposium serves as an “institutional examen” – a time to look inwardly at who we are and who we are called to be. In a dialogic process, we explore discrimination at the intersections of race, gender and sexuality, discuss how we are working to address these issues, and offer a vision for the future of equity and inclusion at Marquette. The purpose of the university, and especially the Jesuit university, is to be a convener of difficult conversation and a leader for social justice action. As such, this forum helps prepare us to have challenging intellectual discourse and refresh our values as an institution.

This year’s symposium will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023. The theme is Understanding Conflict, Restoring Relationships:

Conflict is a natural part of our lives. But as we aspire to embody a beloved community in which everyone is cared for, respected, and cherished, we are called to approach conflict with compassion and empathy – especially for those who may have been pushed to the margins. 

This symposium will explore how we can engage conflict while staying in relationship with one another. Throughout the day, you will have opportunities to reflect upon your own understandings of conflict, practice skills for reaching each other across difference, and build the capacity for personal, interpersonal, and institutional transformation. 

More information and registration will be available soon. 

For questions, please contact Jacki Black, director for Hispanic initiatives and diversity & inclusion educational programming.

Past keynote addresses

2019: Dr. Grant Silva, “On the Epistemology of Diversity: Decolonizing ‘Difference’ in Academia Today”