Income Inequality and the Need for Change
Wednesday, April 17, noon – 1 pm, Multicultural Center, 217 Campus Center
The US has the highest income inequality among developed nations for women and people of color. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 helped to pave the way for greater equity but a disparity still exists and affects women of color the most. Join our discussion and learn how can we advocate for equal pay regardless of gender or ethnicity.
Discussion facilitated by Taran Underdal and Lindsay Buccafurni, Student Life, COCC
Racism with a Smile: Racism in Contemporary Society
Thursday, May 2, noon – 1 pm, Multicultural Center, 217 Campus Center
Starting in the 1960s racism in the United States became less overt or direct as we transitioned to a “color-blind” society. In this session we will discuss how ideas about color-blindness work to perpetuate racial inequality.
Discussion facilitated by Tom Barry, Sociology, COCC
Girl Rising: Film and Discussion
Tuesday, May 7 at 5 – 7 pm, 248 Cascades Hall
The groundbreaking film, Girl Rising, tells the stories of 9 extraordinary girls from 9 countries who illustrate the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world.
Discussion facilitated by Beth Daniels, Psychology, OSU Cascades
‘The New Jim Crow' and Oregon's School-to-Prison Pipeline: Continuing the Conversation
Monday, May 13, noon – 1 pm, 246 Cascades Hall
In 2010, law professor Michelle Alexander published a compelling critique of the latest system of racial social control in America, "The New Jim Crow." Now comes a scathing report from the Oregon ACLU, "Oregon's Schools-to-Prison Pipeline, " showing that students of color are subjected to harsher discipline than their White peers. Let’s talk about the dire circumstances of children of color in Oregon.
Discussion facilitated by Jim Foster, Political Science, OSU Cascades
Is It a Privilege to be a Geek? Defining the Digital Divide in Central Oregon
Thursday, May 16, noon – 1 pm, Multicultural Center, 217 Campus Center
The World Wide Web is over twenty years old, but what does it really mean to be "connected" or "literate" in this age of smart watches and augmented reality? In this discussion, we'll look at our expectations and assumptions about technology. No tech experience needed.
Discussion facilitated by Sara Thompson, Library, OSU Cascades
Conversations on Books and Culture
Stories have a way of bringing people together because they help us understand differences from and connections with our fellow humans. Though language, culture, and geography may separate us, we can come together to share stories. Join other campus readers and culture lovers this year for an occasional discussion of books representing various world cultures. Read the book ahead or just come and hear about it during the conversation.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel. Discussion facilitated by Chris Rubio, COCC Faculty.
Thursday, April 25, noon - 1 pm, Multicultural Center
In this groundbreaking, bestselling graphic memoir, Alison Bechdel charts her fraught relationship with her late father. Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the "Fun Home." It was not until college that Alison, who had recently come out as a lesbian, discovered that her father was also gay. A few weeks after this revelation, he was dead, leaving a legacy of mystery for his daughter to resolve.
Muslim Journeys Bookshelf
Muslim Journeys Kick-off Reception followed by a talk with visiting humanities scholar, Dr. Kambiz GhaneaBassiri of Reed College on Islam’s role in American history, from colonial times to the present.
May 1 at 3:30 – 5:30 pm in Wille Hall.
Dr. GhaneaBassiri was one of the national team of scholars who designed Muslim Journeys. At the reception, there will be an opportunity to review the books and videos in the collection and participate in interactive quizzes to test our knowledge of the influence of Islam.
Reading and Discussion with Amy Harper on: A Quiet Revolution: The Veil's Resurgence, from the Middle East to America by Leila Ahmed
May 29, Noon – 1pm, Oregon Room, Barber Library
Copies of the book are available to check out from the library. A few copies will also be offered free to students who plan to participate in the discussion. Students can sign up for a free copy at the library.