University News
17th Annual DWDI at WIU May 17-19
February 17, 2010
MACOMB, IL -- Tim Wise, a nationally recognized cultural diversity advocate, anti-racist activist, author and lecturer, will present "Colorblind Ambition: Barack Obama, Post-Racial Liberalism and the Retreat from Racial Equity" at Western Illinois University's 2010 Dealing with Difference Institute (DWDI) Tuesday, May 18. This year's DWDI will begin with a dinner and discussion Monday, May 17 at the WIU Alumni House and conclude with a workshop Wednesday, May 19. Sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19 will be held in Western's new Multicultural Center.
According to Janice Welsch, WIU English professor emeritus and DWDI co-coordinator, the title of Wise's presentation echoes that of his forthcoming book, which explores the inadequacy of colorblindness as a remedy for institutional racial disparities and the inequities inherent in white privilege.
"Tim points out that colorblindness leaves white privilege in place both 'in public policy and private practice,' in our schools, in our workplaces and in the various other institutions that comprise our society," Welsch noted. "In his presentation, he will propose an alternative framework for uprooting racial inequity which can be implemented by educators and others right now, with or without the support of public policymakers, new laws, new funding or any other institutional backing."
In addition to his numerous articles, book chapters, and Red Room Blog entries (
"Tim Wise's Blog | Red Room">redroom.com/blog/tim-wise), Wise has published several books on white privilege and racial issues, including " White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son," "Affirmative Action: Racial Preference in Black and White," and "Speaking Treason Fluently: Anti-Racist Reflections From an Angry White Male," to name a few.
"Tim Wise will challenge DWDI participants to examine their own relationship to white privilege and racial inequity, through master narratives that have contributed to the identity of the United States," Welsch added. "Though their existence is often denied since they can be invisible to many, they and other master narratives, help define the values of the nation and can determine the opportunities available to individuals."
The Dealing with Difference Institute is open to Pre-K-12 and college educators; college students; and educators working in community organizations. As in previous years, this year's institute will focus on furthering awareness and understanding of some of the many facets of cultural diversity and on strengthening the competencies and skills needed to communicate and interact effectively within a culturally diverse world. It will provide networking and professional development opportunities for teachers, staff, and administrators as well as for students.
The DWDI will open with a dinner at 6 p.m. May 17, followed by a discussion of the films "Precious" and Blind Side." Sessions on May 18 begin at 8:30 a.m., followed by Wise's keynote at 10 a.m. Lunch and three additional sessions will fill the afternoon, with a final workshop scheduled from 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesday, May 19. A complete DWDI schedule and registration information will be posted on the Illinois Association for Cultural Diversity website (wiu.edu/iacd). Information is also available from Welsch (JR-Welsch@wiu.edu or (309) 298-2057) and institute co-coordinator J.Q. Adams (JQ-Adamas@wiu.edu or (309) 298-3698).
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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