MnEEP Higher Ed Statewide Convening
Race Equity Now: Building Solidarity for Student Access & Success in Higher Ed
- When: Friday, October 11th
- Where: University Hall, McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Time: 9am-2pm (for breakfast, please arrive by 8:45am)
- FREE! Breakfast & lunch provided!
In this shifting and uncertain higher education landscape, it is more critical than ever to come together, strengthen connections, and advance the movement for racial equity in our colleges and universities.
This convening is more than a meeting of ideas—it’s a space to build solidarity across institutions, supporting one another as we work to reshape higher education in Minnesota to ensure our colleges and universities are racially just, equitable, and inclusive for People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) students.
Together, we will address the impact of recent legal challenges, including the SCOTUS decision ending affirmative action and ongoing efforts to dismantle diversity and racial equity initiatives. We will also share promising practices for increasing higher-ed access and success for POCI students, working toward a racially equitable higher-ed system where every student is valued, uplifted, and has the opportunity to thrive.
What we will do together
Strengthen Partnerships and Collaborations
Participants will deepen commitments and coordinate efforts to drive systemic change for racial equity across institutions.
Foster Networks of Mutual Support
Students, leaders, faculty, and staff will share knowledge, experiences, and resources to enhance racial equity efforts across institutions.
Build Capacity
By sharing insights and strategies, participants will collectively build the capacity needed to sustain long-term racial equity initiatives.
Promote Advocacy and Participation
Engaging faculty, students, staff, and leaders alike, the event will foster collective advocacy for policy changes that enhance outcomes for POCI students and advance racial equity throughout Minnesota.
Panelists
- Jesus Gonzalez—moderator, Concordia College student, CREAAC member
- Commissioner Dennis Olson—Minnesota Office of Higher Education
- Dr. Rahn Franklin—Vice President of Inclusive Excellence, Bethel University
- Karina Villeda—University of Minnesota Twin Cities student, CREAAC member
- Shari L. Robinson—U of M-Senior Director for DEI; College for Continuing & Professional Studies, CREAAC member
- Brandyn Woodard—Vice President of Equity and Inclusion, Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College
We look forward to connecting and collaborating with you!