SIU-Carbondale is creating a new series of forums for the fall semester called Salukis SPEAK.
SPEAK stands for Solutions for Peace and Equality through Advocacy and Knowledge.
Interim vice chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Stettler says the discussions invite the campus community and the general public to get together to enhance inclusivity and diversity.
"Where we can talk about what's going on our campus, in the state, in our world today, and have free and open dialogue where everyone has the opportunity to express their opinions in a respectful and open environment."
Stettler says the forums will give students a safe place to go to discuss current events both locally and nationally...such as Black Lives Matter, the Orlando Nightclub Shooting and the November election.
"We tried to come up with a variety of topics that we thought would not only be interesting, would be challenging, create great dialogue, but would be useful to our students."
Stettler says the forums are not just for students. She says faculty, staff and community volunteers are invited to help create a more inclusive and diverse culture.
She says while the events are not in direct response to student protests in May that called for more diversity on campus, she says the school wants to give students more opportunities to talk about the issues.
A schedule of the forums and their respective topics can be found on the Dean of Students website.
