UNT Equity & Diversity Conference

The University of North Texas is committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with professional development, and experiential opportunities to gain new perspectives and understanding about diverse cultures.  The Equity and Diversity Conference is in its 12^th year and still growing.  The conference focuses on considerations of fairness, justice, civility and diversity in the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students. Its program is aimed at students, educators and professionals committed to equity and diversity in the work force and higher education. Past conference attendees have included students from UNT and approximately 20 additional colleges and universities, as well as a number of Metroplex organizations.
 
This year’s special guest will be Dan Savage, creator of the “It Gets Better Project”.  Famously known and recognized for his advice column Savage Love, Dan Savage’s popularity grew even more when he asked individuals to make and upload short positive videos about their experiences with the LGBT community on You Tube.  Millions have viewed the videos and participated, including current President Barack Obama and entertainer Janet Jackson.  The “It Gets Better Project” was named as one of the top social media campaigns of 2010.

In collaboration with the Distinguished Lecture Series, Grammy nominated musician John Legend will close out the conference. In 2007, Legend launched the Show Me Campaign, an initiative that uses education to break the cycle of poverty. He is the national spokesperson for Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a non-profit organization that assists the next generation of minority business leaders. Most recently, John and the band The Roots released Wake Up! (2010), a compilation of music from the 60's and 70's all with an underlying theme of awareness, engagement and social consciousness which won two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.

This year’s conference is sponsored by Equity & Diversity, Multicultural Center, Residence Life & North Texas Community College Consortium will take place on Tuesday, February 7, 2012.  For more information and to register,please visit us at http://edo.unt.edu.