Showing events starting from February 1, 2018 up to February 28, 2018

February 5, 2018 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM ET

Join us as historian Douglas Lewis (Attorney/Director, University of Michigan Student Legal Services) shares stories about the courageous contributions of Blacks in shaping the West. His interactive presentation and larger than life stories will enlighten and inspire us all.

February 6, 2018 - 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET

Rita Chin, Professor of History

Kristin Dickinson, Assistant Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures

Damani Partridge, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Afroamerican and African Studies

In 2010, the leaders of Germany, Britain, and France each declared that multiculturalism had failed in their countries. Over the past decade, a growing consensus in Europe has voiced similar decrees. But what do these ominous proclamations, from across the political spectrum, mean? From the influx of immigrants in the 1950s to contemporary worries about refugees and terrorism, "The Crisis of Multiculturalism in Europe" examines the historical development of multiculturalism on the Continent. Rita Chin argues that there were few efforts to institute state-sponsored policies of multiculturalism, and those that emerged were pronounced failures virtually from their inception. She shows that today's crisis of support for cultural pluralism isn't new but actually has its roots in the 1980s.

Chin looks at the touchstones of European multiculturalism, from the urgent need for laborers after World War II to the public furor over the publication of "The Satanic Verses" and the question of French girls wearing headscarves to school. While many Muslim immigrants had lived in Europe for decades, in the 1980s they came to be defined by their religion and the public's preoccupation with gender relations. Acceptance of sexual equality became the critical gauge of Muslims' compatibility with Western values. The convergence of left and right around the defense of such personal freedoms against a putatively illiberal Islam has threatened to undermine commitment to pluralism as a core ideal. Chin contends that renouncing the principles of diversity brings social costs, particularly for the left, and she considers how Europe might construct an effective political engagement with its varied population.

Challenging the mounting opposition to a diverse society, "The Crisis of Multiculturalism in Europe" presents a historical investigation into one continent's troubled relationship with cultural difference.

Event Accessibility: Ramp and elevator access at the E. Washington Street entrance (by the loading dock). There are accessible restrooms on the south end of Lane Hall, on each floor of the building. A gender neutral restroom is available on the first floor.

February 6, 2018 - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET

This session will provide the opportunity to learn more about the University of Michigan School of Social Work MSW program. Topics covered will include: MSW Curriculum, Dual Degree Programs, Application Process, Financial Aid, and more.

Click here to RSVP »

February 6, 2018 - 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM ET

In this panel session, we will hear from LGBTQIA+ teens in our community. They will bravely share their stories and talk about what they need from us.

February 6, 2018 - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET

Listen to a recording of the Town Hall:

February 7, 2018 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET

February 7, 2018 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

The School of Social Work invites you to the Social Justice Matter Series. The event surrounds meaningful dialogue and discussion about how we as social work professionals can become better involved and continue to advocate for change in this ever-changing climate.  Faculty and/or community advocates will share their expertise and approach in addressing social justice and advocacy that may include but are not limited to; best practice, interventions, and strategic skills across an array of areas.

Join us as we welcome Dr. Matthew Smith.

The title of the talk will be: "Bringing a Social Justice Lens to Virtual Reality Job Interview Training to Meet the Grand Challenges of Social Work".

Professor Smith will present his work developing and evaluating his "Virtual Reality Job Interview Training" tools among several marginalized groups that face an uphill battle to find employment. He will also provide a brief demonstration of the intervention and discuss the vision for how this work can move forward to help additional groups enhance their access to employment.

Lunch will be served.

RSVP here »

February 8, 2018 - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM ET

In today's social and historical context, media and social media are powerful tools that are often disregarded by those who work towards social justice due to the negativity that seems to surround them. However, social workers need to master how to use the media and social media in order to counteract negativity and stereotypes, as well as create positive narratives to portray the people that we represent and advocate for.

This workshop will outline best practices in different media forms. It will also address how to craft stories and narratives that can counteract stereotypes and more accurately reflect the voices and lives of the clients and individuals a social worker may be representing in their media interactions. Participants will discuss the intersectionality of social justice and social media and how to use our voices ethically without getting lost in the negativity that media generally represents.

Registration for this course is closed. Visit the CE Course Catalog for more offerings.