What's the big deal about diversity? Can’t we get rid of affirmative action?
MCC aims to raise provocative, thoughtful questions about diversity, dispel misconceptions and engage the campus community in dialogue as the Diversity Council presents a three-session program, “Combating Whispers and Suspicions: Valuing Diverse Hires,” in March and April.
Distinguished Professor Karen L. Morris, who will speak in the first session on March 10 and 12, developed the program series. (See complete schedule below.)
In addition to her MCC role in Business Administration/Economics, Morris is Brighton town justice, an attorney and an author.
Morris has written several textbooks and co-authors “Criminal Law In New York,” a treatise for lawyers. She also writes a column for Hotel & Motel Management Magazine, as well as occasional commentaries on various legal issues for newspapers and other periodicals.
Morris is also a past president of the MCC Faculty Senate, a past faculty adviser to Phi Theta Kappa, and a past member of the Faculty Association Board of Directors. Currently she serves as a faculty adviser to Hillel.
Joining Morris as a panelist in the talk will be Diane Cecero, the college’s general counsel, chief labor negotiator and chief diversity officer. Throughout her career, Cecero has demonstrated a commitment to promote, recognize and value diversity by helping create strategic plans, programs and organizations in the workplace and local community. Cecero also is widely recognized as a mentor to aspiring female leaders.
Individuals interested in attending any of the sessions are encouraged to contact Mary O’Reilly at <<mailto:moreilly@monroecc.edu>> or 292-2109.
“Combating Whispers and Suspicions: Valuing Diverse Hires”
Diversity Council Breakfast Series: Three Sessions
SESSION I: Why the U.S. Supreme Court, Fortune 500 companies, the military and top universities extol the virtue of diversity. Source material will be the briefs submitted in Gratz v. Bollinger, the University of Michigan affirmative action case. In those submissions, the university and numerous amicus curiae argued for the necessity of achieving and preserving diversity.
Speakers:
Karen L. Morris, Professor of Business Administration, MCC; SUNY Distinguished Professor, MCC; Attorney at Law; Brighton Town Court Justice; Author
Diane M. Cecero, General Counsel (MCC), Chief Diversity Officer
March 10, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00 am (Warshof Conference Center, Flynn Campus Center -- Empire Room)
March 12, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00 am (DCC – Room 5057)
(Note the correction to these dates from the previous Trib announcement.)
SESSION II: Why diversity and inclusion in hiring are important to MCC. This faculty-led conversation will explore the opportunities and challenges of hiring diverse candidates and address whether an emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness helps or hinders affirmative action.
Facilitators: TBA
March 24, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00 am (Forum)
March 26, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00 am (DCC – Room 5057)
SESSION III: How do other local colleges and businesses practice diversity? Local employers will share their opportunities and challenges.
Speakers: Alfreda Brown, Interim Chief Diversity Officer (RIT); Renee Baker, Manager, Faculty Recruitment (RIT)
April 14, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00 am (Forum)
April 16, 2009 from 8:00 – 9:00 am (DCC – Room 5057)
Please RSVP to Mary O’Reilly at <<mailto:moreilly@monroecc.edu>> or 292-2109.
Charlotte Downing and Christopher Otero-Piersante
Co-chairs, Diversity Council
03/02/2009 |