2nd Annual Equity Week Kicks Off at Emmanuel College

This year’s theme, “Holding True to Who We Are – Infusing DEI into the Fabric of our Institution” is intended to not only hold onto Emmanuel’s identity of supporting and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, but continue to open dialogue about progressing toward positive change as well. 

The weeklong celebration launches on Wednesday, March 13th with a kickoff dinner event for faculty and staff from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will include a faculty panel and group discussions about ongoing and future Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across campus. 

Following on Thursday, March 14th, there will be a screening of the Oscar-nominated short documentary The ABC’s of Book Banning and a conversation about the implications of book banning across the country. Aspiring student leaders will also have the chance to explore new leadership pathways and connect with fellow students involved in Residence Life, the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Academic and Student Affairs. The event, the Emerging Leadership Opportunity Expo, is from 12:15 to 2:00 p.m. on the second floor of the Jean Yawkey Center. 

The first half of Equity Week concludes with “Friday Night Live” a festive community event on the Quad; including food trucks, photo booths and live music. The event encourages students to take the opportunity to “unwind and connect with fellow community members while honoring our collective efforts towards creating a more inclusive environment.” The back end of Equity Week highlights two visiting speakers to campus. On Monday, March 18th David McCullough III will be presenting work on his Boston-based nonprofit the “American Exchange Project” (AEP). The nonprofit sends high school seniors on a weeklong trip to towns that are different from their own to bridge divides and build understanding between students and communities of differing socioeconomic backgrounds. In the past year, AEP has partnered with 53 schools in 31 states and has been featured in the Boston Globe, NPR, CBS and the BBC. 

Last but not least, Equity Week concludes with the next Alumni Spotlight Series, featuring Britney Lane ’19. She is a Child and Family Therapist at The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester and completed a Masters in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire in 2022. Lane will give a virtual talk titled “From Micro to Macro Social Work: Using My Voice to Advocate for Change.” 

Stay up to date on all the Equity Week events on Emmanuel’s events page.