As part of our continued commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, the Honors College is again hosting its Honoring Diversity Series featuring engaging diversity and inclusion topics presented by WVU faculty and staff experts. Seminars will be held primarily on Tuesday evenings via Zoom. A schedule of events - including Zoom registration links - can be found below.
Digging Through the Biblical World, Part 1: Archaeology and the Old Testament Story
of Israel
Aaron Gale, associate professor of religious studies,
6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20
Gale will share about the Old Testament with a focus on archaeology that supports or disproves the Bible. He will share his insights to answer the questions: Who were the Patriarchs? Did Moses really lead an Exodus from Egypt? Did David really kill Goliath? Who were the Israelites and where did they come from?
LGBTQ+ Rights: Past, Present and Future?
Brad Grimes, J.D., program director for the College of Law and treasurer
for Council for Gender Equity
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 3
This talk will provide a summary of the gradual development of laws providing rights and protections to LGBTQ+ people. There will be an overview of where we are today with respect to the rights and protections. The next part of the conversation will pertain to the current legal protections covering adverse legislation being introduced in states across the nation. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has intimated that the Supreme Court’s major cases involving LGBTQ+ marriage and other rights will be reviewed (and ostensibly overturned) as has been the cause with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
Deconstructing Narratives of Criminalization Through Art and Art-Making
Gloria Negrete-Lopez, assistant professor of women's and gender studies
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 10
The U.S. has increasingly relied on criminalization to justify policing and imprisonment
to solve societal problems. “Criminal” imprisonment has expanded more than five
times since the 1980’s and immigrant detention has quadrupled since 2001. With
that in mind this presentation seeks to discuss how marginalized groups are constructed
as “criminal” through stereotypes. Furthermore, how can we look at art and creative
expressions as tools to deconstruct these harmful narratives.
Ableism Disrupted
Lesley Cottrell, director of WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24
In this presentation, Cottrell will define ability and ableism, review and discuss examples of ableism from our daily lives, explore different perspectives of disability and bias and identify and discuss ways to interrupt ableism with resources, support and advocacy
Which Witch was Which: The European Witch Craze
Aaron Gale, associate professor of religious studies
6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25
Gale will share the origins of the European Witch Craze. The session will also explore who was accused of witchcraft and how those accused were arrested and tried. To conclude the talk there will be a summary as to how the witchcraze eventually ended.
Critical Conversations on Disabilities
Jeanette Garcia, associate professor of sport and exercise psychology
6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7
Garcia will identify the role and importance in building inclusive communities. Terminology and etiquette will be discussed as it relates to those with learning disabilities. Information will be provided to view the importance of open mindedness when it comes to people with disabilities. Being able to see individuals for who they are and recognizing the critical impacts that come with ableist viewpoints.
Investigating Accessibility at WVU
Kayla Abrahamson, Eric Baker and Will Sturgell
6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28
This session will provide an overview of accessibility within higher education institutions like WVU. The focus will be on ways to create more inclusive spaces for people with disabilities. There will also be an analysis on physical accessibility and analyzing materials to provide strategies to move forward.