Equity and Inclusion Conference
Continues to Grow
Nearly 500 people attended the third annual Equity and Inclusion Conference: “From Discussion to Action: Bold Steps Toward Equity and Inclusion,” which was held virtually in September.
said, “and that machine is working toward a goal that you really believe in. It’s also important to have humility and reminders that we’re just part of a bigger movement.”
This three-day event was deemed a “huge success” by Dr. Keith Johnson, ETSU Vice President for Equity and Inclusion. The conference has grown since the inaugural event in 2019, when just over 100 attended, followed by 320 registered participants in 2020.
Wall, President of One Better World, LLC, and a longtime higher education student affairs administrator, said that many times, people equate social justice work with action. However, he encouraged listeners to do the personal work of dialogue and skill-building before taking action.
This year’s conference highlighted the importance of personal action and helped attendees build confidence for situations they encounter that call for understanding, empathy, and advocacy. It was sponsored by the ETSU Office of Equity and Inclusion, with numerous university colleges, academic departments, centers, offices, and organizations as partners.
“I believe that it’s important for us to … be about the actual work of community and connectedness because we all have a place,” he said. “The key is to make sure that we truly look at the fact that we’re all a part of this and do what we can in order to help people have an entry point into the conversation.
“We had many dynamic speakers who were very informative and engaging,” Johnson said, “including but not limited to Paul Farmer, Vernon Wall, and Wes Moore. The platform Paul Farmer Vernon Wall that we used to host the conference allowed participants to interact during the conference and beyond. Many of those interactions are continuing, which is possibly one of the biggest outcomes of the conference. Participants continue to discuss the conference and are sharing best practices and having conversations that otherwise would not occur regarding social justice, equity, and inclusion.” Farmer, a medical anthropologist and physician known as a leading voice on global health equity and social justice, told attendees not to be discouraged in pursuing their goals. “Remember you’re just one cog in a much bigger machine,” he
18 x ETSU TODAY
“I am probably the most hopeful I’ve ever been about us in higher education around equity and inclusion, and the reason why is because of our students.” “I was no stranger to social justice,” first-time participant Elizabeth S. Cloyd wrote. “But I was met with a collection of valuable data and helpful perspectives that will profoundly shape the way I think about and interact with people. And it will affect the way I teach.” Planning for the fourth annual Equity and Inclusion Conference at ETSU is underway. “Creating a Culture of Belonging: Building Capacity, Partnerships, and Opportunities for Progress” will be held September 27-29, 2022. “My vision for the conference is to continue growing in attendance and attracting attendees from around the country and abroad,” Johnson said. “I see East Tennessee State University becoming the hub for inclusive excellence as we grow into our mission.” Jennifer L. Hill is Marketing/Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of Marketing and Communications.
