Kent State’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion [DEI] will host a series of virtual town halls throughout the month of August to discuss racism and forms of discrimination on campus. 

The series ‘Shaping a Better Future: Dialogues and Strategizing for Change’ will be part of a yearlong program dedicated to addressing topics related to social justice. Five town halls are scheduled for the month of August and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Chairperson of Pan-African Studies and Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Amoaba Gooden said the DEI wanted to start with anti-racism as the first topic to address the current climate in the United States as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color. Other topics will include supporting individuals of color, building allyship skills and persons of color strategizing for change in the community. 

“This is a new series strategizing for change,” Gooden said. “Not just having conversation, but strategizing for change at Kent State as the community comes together and collaboratively works towards sharing and shaping a better future.” 

The first town hall will be via Zoom on Tuesday, August 4 at 5 p.m. It will be facilitated by President Todd Diacon, Gooden and Vice President for Student Affairs Lamar Hylton. Register for the event here.

Contact Troy Pierson at [email protected].