Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate Diversity Week 2024 from August 26-30 with the theme “Creating a Culture of Belonging for All.” The week’s activities are designed to foster inclusion, unity, and belonging across campus and the local community.
Kicking off on August 26, the events will include a Women’s Equality Day luncheon featuring Angela K. Upchurch, acting dean of SIU's Simmons Law School, as the keynote speaker. This luncheon will commemorate the 19th Amendment and the ongoing struggles for women’s equality. The same day, the Student Multicultural Resource Center (SMRC) will host a Diversity Week Kickoff event from 1-3 p.m., offering music, games, food, and resources.
On August 27, the Women in Action Ceremony will recognize women who have led efforts for equity and inclusion at SIU and in the community. This awards ceremony will take place at the John C. Guyon Auditorium at 4 p.m., followed by a short reception.
Additional highlights include the “Diversity Is” project, an interactive art installation on August 29, encouraging participants to share their thoughts on diversity, facilitated by Rob Lopez, an associate professor in the School of Art and Design.
Daily voter registration drives, roundtable discussions on global inclusion, and student panels on diversity will also be part of the week’s offerings. Organized by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Diversity Week aims to encourage community engagement and celebrate the uniqueness of SIU.
