2012 Diversity Conference Proposals AM Session: 11:00 -12:15 pm Session Title: Degrees of Separation Abstract. Keynote Speaker Arsalan Iftikar will join local religious and political leaders to discuss a variety of perspectives on the intersection of politics and religion. The conversation will focus on how social and political systems are influenced by religious beliefs and institutions. They will examine questions such as marriage rights, separation of church and state, and stereotypes. Panelists: Arsalan Iftikar, Rev. James Callan
AM Session: 11 am- 12:15 pm Session Title: Restoring
Dignity
Abstract: Federal policies have had a devastating effect on Native American families. One of the policies scooped Native American children from their homes and sent them to residential or boarding schools, which led to generations of dysfunctional individuals. Several Native American organizations are working to provide services which allow individuals to cope with the Historical trauma caused by this. Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe (Neto) provides such a service through the arts by engaging community members in traditional workshops which are led by Native Americans who have found through spirituality a process to encourage healing. The mission of Neto is “To promote the arts and culture of the indigenous people of the America’s.” This leads us to find venues and partners to fulfill our mission. By this we are creating awareness of the ways in which artistic expressions provide an outlet and way to help heal some of the wounds of historical trauma. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Allan Jamieson, Director, Neto Hatinakwe Onkwehowe
AM Session: 11 am- 12:15 pm Session Title: Same-Sex
Marriage and Spirituality: Our Area's Rich History and Resources Abstract: New York became the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage with the affirmative vote by the state senate on June 24, 2011. However, grass roots efforts to 1|Page
2012 Diversity Conference Proposals pass such a law began many years earlier. In fact, it could be said that Upstate NY and the City of Rochester played a key part, and had a unique leadership role in advocacy and inclusion efforts for GLBT people at the levels of both church and state. This talk will review the Rochester area’s history of gay and lesbian rights groups and worship communities, and present information on current organizations and individuals whose efforts have united diverse community members in support of civil and religious equality for same-sex couples. Special attention will be paid to the interrelationship between advocacy for civil rights, and advocacy for acceptance of same-sex relationships within religious organizations. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Jan Gillespie, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, The College at Brockport
AM Session 11 am- 12:15 pm
Session Title: Religion in the Workplace 101 Abstract: Some employers are very cautious when it comes to religion in the workplace. Not only do they want to avoid the appearance of mixing faith with business, but they also want to preempt lawsuits. Lawsuits should be prevented on both sides of the spectrum. And it is important for employers and their workers to know the law concerning religion and religious accommodations. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits workplace discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, country of origin, race and color. Such discrimination is prohibited in any aspect of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, benefits, training, job duties, and termination. In addition, an employer must provide a reasonable accommodation for religious practices unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Title VII prohibits retaliation against someone who complains about a discriminatory practice, files a charge, or assists in an investigation of discrimination in any way. Employers with 15 or more employees are required to comply with Title VII. Religious discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably because of his or her religious beliefs. The law protects not only people who belong to traditional, organized religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, but also others who have sincerely held religious, ethical or moral beliefs. Presenter Name/Title/Agency: Leah Smiley, President, The Society for Diversity
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2012 Diversity Conference Proposals
AM Session: 11 am – 12:15 pm Session Title:
The Contemplative in Today’s World
Abstract: The mind is a busy place. How can one be in the world and at the same time, find contact with the quieted mind, contemplate our current condition? Why is it important? Perhaps one fundamental problem in the world is that we don’t talk about what is missing and what we may wish for; a connection to something greater than ourselves; a sense of the commonality that we all share. This effort might lead to a truer sense of compassion. Without it, we see ourselves as separate — the only one, or the best. State and politics do not speak to the difficulty, nor offer the possibility of another reality. We will never be able to listen to others, to solve world and local problems, until we first find a way to listen to ourselves; find out who we really are or aren’t. This workshop will explore ideas from the presenter’s background in the Gurdjieff Work. Participants will be given an opportunity to work with a beginning exercise. One form that Gurdjieff used to teach his students was called Sacred Dance or Movements. We will watch a short film showing some of these dances. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Nancy Berlove, President, Sign Language Connection, Inc.
AM Session: 11 am – 12:15 pm Session Title:
The Dynamics of Culture, Faith and Family among
Hispanics Abstract The United States is currently one of the largest Spanish-speaking countries in the world. According to the Pew Research Center, the Hispanic population in the US will triple by 2050 becoming the largest Spanish-speaking country (Passel, J.S. & Cohn, D., 2008). Because one in five Americans will soon be foreign-born and their children and grandchildren will account for most of the population growth, it is imperative at we understand the dynamics that take place as these individuals and families adapt to the US culture. The process of adaptation and developing cultural competence in a new cultural setting may follow one of four different patterns: biculturalism, assimilation, separation or marginalization (Cabassa, L., 2003). These patterns become more 3|Page
2012 Diversity Conference Proposals complex for the children of immigrants and for children who migrated with their families to a new culture at a young age (Johnson-Mondragon, K., 2008). These generational differences are a major source of conflict within Hispanic families especially concerning ethnic identity, values and spirituality. Recognizing these patterns of acculturation is an important skill for anyone providing services to this diverse population. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Lynette Saenz, Director of Cultural Diversity, Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
PM Session I: 2:00-3:15 pm
Coexistence: Learning about each other from each other; an Interactive Seminar and Discussion Session Title:
Abstract: Through thought provoking exercises and activities, this session empowers students to overcome fears based on stereotypes and misperceptions by listening to and learning from others. In life, we will come face to face with someone that thinks differently than ourselves. It is at this critical moment when we are faced with a choice: do we let our preconceived notions of this person, due to race, gender, or religion, dictate the way we interact with him or her? Or do we cast aside biases and openly embrace the other for his or her beliefs, while sharing our own? The latter is a skill that can be achieved through guided training and practice which encourages probing the inner self in order to overcome the barriers we set up, the barriers that prevent us from recognizing and sharing each other’s humanity. In this day and age, learning to embrace differing views is not only a skill necessary for our current leaders, but also a must-have for the students that will become tomorrow’s leaders. The first part of this session gives participants exposure to the art of dialogue through a group breakout session focused on listening and learning. The second component centers on presenting the salient points of establishing effective moderated discussion regarding issues of spirituality. The final aspect of this session invites participants to overcome misconceptions or fears they may have about others through a unique introspection exercise. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Richard DeJesús-Rueff, EdD, Vice President for Student Affairs & Diversity Initiatives, St. John Fisher College
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2012 Diversity Conference Proposals Co-Presenter/Title/Agency George Payne, Program Coordinator and Peace Educator, M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence at the University of Rochester. Co-Presenter/Title/Agency Mohammad Husain Bawany, Dual major in Biology and Religious Studies, St. John Fisher College
PM Session I: 2:00-3:15 pm
Session Title: Emma Lazarus: Voice of Liberty Abstract: Emma Lazarus is best remembered for her poem, “The New Colossus.” However, in a recent touring exhibit the visited Drake Memorial Library, her fascinating life and experiences as a Jewish immigrant highlight the late 19th century immigrant experience, much of which is still relevant today. Many groups sought entrance to the United States during Emma’s lifetime for a variety of reasons, from escaping war and famine, to religious persecution, to abject poverty. The outcome for our country was incredibly positive, as these immigrants or their descendants made immeasurable advances for the country in arts, politics and sciences. The United States today continues to be a magnet for those seeking a better life, and as these new immigrants are assimilated into our society, it can have only positive outcomes for our culture as a whole. We must keep in mind that most of us came of immigrant stock, and rather than isolating ourselves or the newcomers, embrace the fresh ideas and news customs they bring with them. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Pam O'Sullivan, Head of Integrated Public Services, The College at Brockport
PM Session I: 2:00-3:15 pm
Session Title: Understanding Islam and cultural and religious tolerance: A soldier's perspective Abstract “America does not fight for freedom, we fight over resources.” This is a somewhat oversimplified vision of our involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas in the Middle East and around the world. In my travels as a soldier in Europe, the Middle East and around the United States, I have had a lot of experience with various aspects of the 5|Page
2012 Diversity Conference Proposals spiritual, religious, economic and cultural clashes that often lead our country into conflict with others. Through this session, I will attempt to illustrate the cultural and religious biases and economic stimuli that are often the real reason for conflict but is masked with religious or political overtones with severe social and environmental consequences. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Major Dan Fletcher, Enrollment and Scholarship Office for Army ROTC, The College at Brockport
PM Session I: 2:00-3:15 pm
Where do You Stand: Critical Conversations about Religion in Schools Session Title:
Abstract Separation of church and state within the public school system has always been a “hot button” issue. The United States of America prides itself on being a melting pot of a plethora of different cultures and religions but when students want to practice their religion in public schools, are the schools prepared to cater to their students needs or even accept their request to practice in the first place? This session will discuss the controversy surrounding these issues and the implications that schools are portraying through these decisions. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, namely the phrase “one nation under God,” in public schools is also a religious and political controversy that many Americans have a strong opinion towards. Should God be mentioned in a public school setting and what message is America sending towards students who are asked to recite the Pledge who are not Christian? Presenter Name/Title/Agency Sara Kelly, Assistant Director of Residential Life/Learning Communities, The College at Brockport Co- Presenter Name/Title/Agency Jessica Newby, Resident Assistant and Mathematics Major, The College at Brockport
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2012 Diversity Conference Proposals PM Session I: 2:00-3:15 pm
Honoring Our Proximity and the Spaces Between us Through Mindful Service Session Title:
Abstract This presentation will highlight at least four things: a touch of information about brain chemistry to illustrate the mind-body connection; to speak of that connection in the spiritual sense; to show how the integration of mind, body, spirit and relationships is enhanced through mindfulness; and, to demonstrate some options for practice. Attendees will have opportunity to experience interconnectedness, to recognize the possibility of living in the moment in Oneness in a state of non-duality, the possibility of healing themselves and others — for their own sake; that of their professional and personal relationships and that of the local and global community — and to live and love compassionately in joy and generosity. Neuroplasticity and the interaction between the right and left hemispheres of the brain as well as the integration of the limbic system and cortex will be discussed in relation to groundedness and spirituality and one’s ability to relate openly to others and from a stance of curiosity and welcome as opposed to judgment. An exercise based on the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program, as developed by Jon Kabbat Zin and Saki Santorelli, will have individual and interactive components. We shall discuss how self awareness influences strategies to address to specific situations of conflict and inclusion. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Gail Ferraioli, Founder, Clarity Mediations
PM Session I: 2:00 - 3:15 pm Session Title: Creating
Diverse Communities: Religion and
Power Abstract This workshop provides an overview of frameworks that serves as a tool for understanding the dynamics of diversity, interpreting how these dynamics impact the community and lays the foundation for growth and change. Spirituality is personal, and the impact of religious systems on the US and our educational systems is critical to building healthy, diverse communities. We all want to 7|Page
2012 Diversity Conference Proposals create inclusion, but getting there is the hard part. In this interactive workshop, participants will receive a framework for building the inclusive vision of partnership present in all of our goals and mission statements Participants will be introduced to two frameworks for understanding power, privilege and difference. The group will then engage in an interactive process of imagining and creating a vision for what can be with a focus on local activism to increase spiritual acceptance and promote. We will explore the personal skills necessary for being an effective leader and change agent with colleagues and students. This workshop will be a combination of presentation and small group activities. Participants will leave with resources to support their efforts on campus. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Betty Garcia Mathewson, Program Director, Opening Doors Diversity Project/Research Foundation of SUNY
PM Session I: 2:00 – 3:15 pm Session Title: Religion
and Diversity: An Anthropological
Perspective Abstract: Religion (however difficult it may be to define) is obviously an important social force in the 21st century, but the academic study of religion continues to be relatively absent from mainstream American college campuses, relative to, say, the study of economics and politics. This workshop will explore the problems and promises of academic religious studies from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. The presentation of this perspective will be followed by discussion, small group exercise, and concluding recommendations. consider Durkheim’s argument that religion is the soul of society, in light of the 21st century global system today; and explore how religion is thoroughly entangled with government and business, and what this implies for the future of human diversity. Presenter: Neal Keating. Asst Professor, Dept. of Anthropology, The College at Brockport, SUNY
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2012 Diversity Conference Proposals PM Session II: 3:30 – 4:45 pm Session Title: Cultural
Diversity and Public Memory in Poland and Central Europe Student and faculty participants in the “Experiencing the New Europe” 2012 summer study abroad program will share their research on the diversity of ethnic culture in the region that lies in between Germany and Russia, a place where a history of pogroms, war, occupation and shifting borders has resulted in complex issues regarding collective identity and the preservation of public memory. The attempted erasure of Jewish and Roma people and culture, the displacement and relocation of Poles, the repatriation of once German cities as Polish, and the period of Soviet occupation are among the complex circumstances of Poland and Central European history and culture. This presentation will showcase our research and personal experiences investigating collective identity and public memory in this part of the world, and will argue for the necessity of memorializing a complicated, painful, and, in some cases, hidden past. A photography display will illustrate the multiple layers of ethnic heritage Presenters Name/Title/Agency : Erica Buck (Undergraduate student, Nazareth College) Amy Burgett (Undergraduate student, The College at Brockport) Elizabeth Cramer (Undergraduate student, The College at Brockport) Nicole Fuller (Undergraduate student, The College at Brockport) Nicholas Kinney (Undergraduate student, The College at Brockport) Donna Kowal (Faculty, The College at Brockport)
PM Session II 3:30 – 4:45 pm Session Title: Freedom
of Religion and Indigenous Peoples
Abstract: This workshop builds upon the first workshop, and focuses on how the political guarantees of religious freedom have historically been denied to American Indians in the US and Canada, and how these denials continue to have negative outcomes in Native communities today, not only in terms of religion per se, but also in terms of health, human rights, and general well-being. The presentation of this perspective will be followed by discussion, small group exercise, and concluding recommendations. Presenter: Neal Keating. Asst Professor, Dept. of Anthropology, The College at Brockport, SUNY 9|Page
2012 Diversity Conference Proposals PM Session II: PM Session II: 3:30 - 4:45 pm Session Title: The
Persecution of Christians in the 21st Century
Abstract Christianity has the most diverse collection of adherents throughout the world. Rich and poor alike are found among Christianity’s numbers, and so are Africans, Asians, Europeans and North and South Americans. Christianity is completely inclusive and attractive to the peoples of the world. Yet an ominous trend, rarely covered in the major American news outlets, is at work. Christians around the world are being harassed, imprisoned, killed or deprived of possessions or liberties because of their witness. Coptic Christians in Egypt are being forced from homes and businesses. Amnesty International has recently protested the persecution that Christians have faced in Iraq, Iran, and throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa. In Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, China, North Korea, India, Pakistan and Indonesia, government policy or practice severely inhibits Christian faith and practice. The persecution facing Christians is the largest “human rights” violation issue in today’s world. It is important for Americans to understand the scope and severity of this underreported phenomena. Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is one organization devoted to the tasks of assisting those affected by persecution and informing the world of the present level of persecution towards Christians. During this presentation, these facts will be highlighted. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Joseff Smith, History Major, The College at Brockport Co-Presenter Name/Title/Agency Thomas Brennan, Representative, Voice of the Martyrs
PM Session II 3:30-4:45 pm Session Title:
The Bible and Politics
Abstract This session will involve reading sample biblical texts and discussing how people who view the Bible as authoritative may translate them into political positions. The format will be guided group discussion. The texts sampled will include both those privileged by liberal and conservative believers. The problem of misinterpretation will also be discussed and when appropriate cultural and historical context will be addressed. 10 | P a g e
2012 Diversity Conference Proposals Presenter Name/Title/Agency Austin Busch, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of English, The College at Brockport Co-Presenter Name/Title/Agency Brooke Conti, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of English, The College at Brockport PM Session II: 3:30 - 4:45 pm Session Title:
A Multiethnic Panel Discusses Christianity on
Campus Abstract Community through diversity incorporates all voices of the community. In our efforts to diversify, voices perceived as traditional are often silenced. Such silencing gives rise to misconceptions and stereotypes about what it means to be Christian, the perceived traditional American religion. Many members of the community have believed the myth that Christians do not promote accessibility, inclusiveness, and understanding. This panel of diverse individuals, including people of Asian, African American, Native American, and Caucasian descent, students, graduates, and faculty, women and men, would like to suggest otherwise. Additionally, we would like to address the myth that Christians think they are perfect. In truth, Christians recognize themselves as imperfect beings in need of a Savior. Recognizing our own limitations, we are guided by two basic commands: to love God and to love our neighbors. Individually, we have shown such love through working in medical clinics, youth meetings, literacy outreaches, and with families affected by autism. In every instance, some domestic and some international, our services have been offered freely and inclusively without question. Like other groups who have been represented at earlier Diversity Conferences, we request opportunity to allow our voices to be heard. Christianity is monotheistic, but the panel will show our voices are not always monolithic. In this presentation, we will seek to present Christianity in a coherent, academic manner. We will discuss the basic tenets of Christianity, the popular misconceptions, and the core beliefs Christians share.
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2012 Diversity Conference Proposals Presenter Name/Title/Agency Carole Pelttari, EdD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education and Human Development, The College at Brockport Co-Presenter Name/Title/Agency Jie Zhang, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education and Human Development, The College at Brockport
PM Session II: 3:30-4:45 pm Session Title: “Pariah�
(2007): Race, Gender, and Sexual Identity
Abstract This presentation will consider sexual identity as a space written on by self, family, culture, religion, and sate, and also examine ways heteronormative and conservative ideologies complicate and compromise LGBTQ identities. This session captures the Diversity Conference theme of spirituality, state, and politics with a particular focus on ways race, religion, and sexuality, intersect and inform personal and public freedoms. Through screening and discussion, the session aims to facilitate dialogue that promotes sensitivity to difference as we reach for equity across local and national spaces. Audience members will have the occasion consider lesbian identity within a larger subtext of GLBTQ rights and to question ways patriarchy as an extension of state, nation, and religion, reproduce and sanction white, herteronormative hegemony. Presenter Name/Title/Agency Barbara LeSavoy, PhD, Director of the Women and Gender Studies Program, The College at Brockport Pandora Brinkley, Graduate Student, McNair Scholar, The College at Brockport
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