Strategies to encourage diversity to flourish in the classroom will be the focal point of the second Anti-racism Talk Shop Series by the Centre for Human Rights (CHR), taking place Tuesday, Sept. 22.
The workshop, titled “Teaching with Racial Diversity in Mind,” runs from 11:30am to 1pm, and addresses the rapidly shifting demographics of Canada and how faculty and educational staff can be better equipped for their teaching.
Topics that will be explored include acknowledging and accepting students with different perspectives, diversifying the syllabi, increasing awareness of classroom dynamics and student experience.
Yvonne Simpson, a PhD candidate in York University’s Faculty of Health Policy Management, will lead the session. She currently works as a research assistant at CHR and is also a part-time faculty member at Seneca College.
Simpson holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Calgary, with a specialization in community rehabilitation and disability studies. Her research focuses on human rights and social justice in the context of acquired workplace disability among immigrant workers, and the intersection of race, immigration and WSIB policies.
This Anti-racism Talk Shop session takes place at 280A York Lanes.
The next sessions will run on the following dates:
- Oct. 8 – Understanding and Addressing Microaggressions (Subtle Discrimination);
- Oct. 29 – Culture as Halloween Costumes: When has the line been crossed?; and
- Nov. 24 – Critical Conversations on Employment Equity.
All sessions feature different guest speakers (see individual session details at rights.info.yorku.ca/events).
CHR encourages administrative units, faculty and student groups to incorporate these workshops into their fall professional development programs. Classes are also welcome to attend, and organizers should contact Yvonne Chiu at chiuyv@yorku.ca to register a class or team.
Individuals can register for a Talk Shop session at yorku.ca/rights/forms/view.php?id=28.