Chancellor asks campus to hold "courageous conversations" about race issues
Released: September 21, 2006
UW-Whitewater Chancellor Martha Saunders is sponsoring a workshop for faculty and administrators in conjunction with the play "N*GGER W*TBACK CH*NK: The Race Show," which will be performed on campus Tuesday, Oct. 3.
The play examines the stereotypes that African-Americans, Latino-Americans and Asian-Americans face in their lives. The three authors/performers use laughter, slam poetry and hip hop to get audience members to think and talk about race. The Los Angeles Times said, "They present an inspiring vision of the world they'd like to see."
"This play provides the campus with a perfect platform for holding courageous conversations about race issues," Chancellor Saunders said.
Chancellor Saunders points out that diversity and global perspectives are key to the success of the university's new strategic plan. "Our faculty and administrators are vital in the support of students of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds. This workshop is designed to bring about discussion of issues and how we can better serve the needs of all students."
"I am encouraging attendance by all faculty and administrators who want to be a part of UW-Whitewater's diversity initiative."
A public lecture/discussion, "Ethnic Identity & Voice in N*W*C*" will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 in the Irvin L. Young Auditorium. This free event is open to all.
"I am proud that UW-Whitewater is taking the bold step of openly talking about issues of race," Chancellor Saunders said.
The 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 performance of the play is free but a ticket will be required for admission and are available at the Greenhill Center for the Arts Box office or online at www.uww.edu/youngauditorium The event is co-sponsored by Cultural Affairs, SEAL and Contemporary issues.
- Sara Kuhl,kuhls@uww.edu
