University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work Announces the Spring 2024 J.E.D.I Summit

University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work Announces the Spring 2024 J.E.D.I Summit 

Amidst a National Debate on DEI, Baltimore's academic community unites to forge a path toward sustainable progress. 

Baltimore, MD - The University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work is proud to announce the Spring 2024 Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I) Summit. Set to take place on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 12 PM in the SSW Auditorium located at 525 W. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD, this half-day summit is designed to foster dialogue and further the commitment to equity and inclusion within our academic community and beyond. 

In recent times, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have faced scrutiny and criticism, underscoring the need for informed and constructive dialogue on the importance and impact of DEI efforts in educational and societal contexts. The J.E.D.I Summit is a response to this urgent need, offering a platform for critical engagement with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in sustaining progress towards equity and inclusion. 

This year’s theme, "No Turning Back: Sustaining Progress Toward Equity and Inclusion," is a call to action for our community to not only acknowledge the strides made in DEI but also to confront and navigate the growing challenges such as anti-DEI legislation and educational gag orders that threaten the fabric of our inclusive educational environment. 

The Summit will feature a range of workshops designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to sustain progress in DEI. Topics will include understanding and combating the rise of educational gag orders, fostering a culture of dialogue in challenging times, and more. 

We are honored to have Jeremy C. Young, the Freedom to Learn Program Director at PEN America, as our keynote speaker. With his extensive background in fighting government censorship in educational institutions and his advocacy for academic freedom, Young brings invaluable insights into the current landscape of DEI in higher education. 

The event is free of charge, with the option for attendees to obtain Continuing Education credits at an additional cost. Breakfast will be provided, ensuring a welcoming and conducive environment for all participants to engage in meaningful discussions. 

Join us on April 11th for a morning of reflection, dialogue, and commitment towards a just and inclusive community. Together, we can ensure there is no turning back on the path to equity and inclusion. 

 

Event Details: 
Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024 
Time: 8:30 AM - 12 PM 
Location: SSW Auditorium, 525 W. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 
Cost: Free (CE's available at an additional cost) 
Breakfast: Provided 

For more information and to register for the J.E.D.I Summit, please visit www.ssw.umaryland.edu/jedisummit