Past Events

3703 Posvar Hall

Have “religious freedom” and “religious liberty” become code words for intolerance?  How do individuals reconcile personal religious beliefs with government laws?

Join a multidisciplinary panel of Dietrich School experts to explore religious persecution within the broader historical context of Civil Rights in America.

Humanities Center (602 CL)
Kamala Harris, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Tammy Duckworth made history on November 8, 2016, by becoming, respectively, the first biracial woman in the Senate, the first Latina senator, and the first Thailand-born senator. What gains have women made since the passage of the 19th Amendment, and what obstacles do they still face in achieving economic, political, and social equality?

University Club, Ballroom A
Megan Block and Mike Healey, attorneys representing the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will discuss the set of guarantees protected by the First Amendment and how free speech goes hand-in-hand with engaged citizenship.

Pamela W. Connelly, Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh, will provide introductory remarks.

Edwin Hernandez, director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Veterans Services and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, will moderate a panel of Pitt faculty, students, and alumni—all of whom are US military veterans— as they discuss ways in which the University can best welcome and support veteran and military affiliated students. Your RSVP is requested (but not required) by October 30, 2017. 

In this interactive session, students, faculty, staff, and alumni who were first-generation college students will discuss the challenges they faced and how their socio-economic status limited their ability to fully participate in campus life. Then, based on the issues identified, attendees will discuss ways to both identify and promote existing services, and create new resources to help fill the gaps.

Curiosity can be born out of fear and trepidation while it can also come from a desire to connect and find commonalities. How are these intertwined? People may be afraid but also want to know and share. We fear, but we are wired to want to connect. 

Gain a better understanding of the current political climate. Understand what options immigrants have to come to the United States. Learn struggles immigrants face once they are here in the United States and discuss ways to support immigrant justice work.

How can the University community compassionately respond to students who are unable to meet their basic needs?

The Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law invite you to a join us on December 3 from 2 – 4:30 p.m. in 2500 Posvar Hall for a joint event to address the Tree of Life attack and the systemic issues that contributed to it and other acts of violence against marginalized and targeted populations. RSVP by November 30 by clicking this link.

Pittsburgh-based RealTime Interventions has created an inspiring and compelling series of theatrical portraits of Afghan women who have recently become Americans. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon to learn about Afghan culture and traditions and witness how art can create change in the world. RSVP requested by October 14.

This Reception and Reflection is open to the entire University community and will provide attendees with the chance to view the installation of the six-word stories and to discuss the themes that have emerged from the exercise. This session will be facilitated by anu jain and a team of consultants from Inclusant. Attendance at the November 4 workshop is NOT a prerequisite for attending the November 14 session. We are no longer requiring RSVPs.