Forum on Racial Inequalities
Monday, 11/16/2020 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Virtual
COCC Convenes Community Forum to Address Racial Inequalities
As part of an ongoing series of discussions on race and equity, Central Oregon Community
College (COCC) is hosting a virtual community forum titled “Addressing Racial Inequalities
and Responding to Hate Speech” from 4-5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16. The event is free
and open to the public; attendees must register in advance.
The one-hour forum will include a range of items, including an address from COCC’s
president, Dr. Laurie Chesley, a talk on stereotypes, prejudice and privilege presented
by COCC’s psychology faculty, a personal narrative shared by a college staff member
and strategies on how to respond to hate speech. There will also be time for community
questions and discussion.
“Due to the positive feedback from our spring forum, we are continuing this important
focus on racism, systemic inequalities and civil discourse,” said Alicia Moore, COCC’s
vice president of student affairs. “During these tumultuous times, we can work together
to help make Central Oregon a safe, supportive and respectful place by advocating
for and modeling acceptance.”
“Everyone is facing hard times right now, and there are challenges related to COVID-19
that we never anticipated, but there are also challenges that have been present all
along that the pandemic has exacerbated,” said Christy Walker, director of the diversity
and inclusion office at COCC. “We all know the impacts of the coronavirus and the
effects of systemic racism cut deeper for underrepresented students and community
members. And we stand stronger when we stand together.”
For more information, contact Christy Walker, COCC’s director of diversity and inclusion,
at 541-383-7412 or cwalker2@cocc.edu.