E&I facilitates education and training programs to ensure that we can all contribute to fostering an inclusive community. Programs range from substantive education on issues of equity and bias, to hands-on workshops that hone professional skills. Below are details about Programs for Students, Programs for Staff, and Programs for Students, Staff, and Faculty.
PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS
ABA-Mandated Training Program for 1st Year Law Students
Inspired by the American Bar Association’s requirement that law schools educate students on bias, cross-cultural competency, and racism, this four-part series features reflection on individual identity, analysis of how bias and discrimination are discussed in law school classes, alumni panel discussions on identity and bias in the legal profession, and small group workshops on addressing bias in the profession and in legal advocacy.
August 29, 2024
In this panel discussion, students explore the importance and impact of the Civil Rights Act, and the duty lawyers have to address bias and discrimination.
October 21, 2024
In this presentation, 1L faculty members discuss how themes of individual and systemic bias and discrimination arise in cases that are part of the 1L curriculum.
January 30, 2025
In these facilitated small group sessions, students will examine a range of legal scenarios and develop strategies to address bias and discrimination in practice.
Spring 2025 (Date to be announced)
In a series of four panel discussions, Law School alumni discuss the many aspects of their identities, the challenges and opportunities they experience, and how they leverage all aspects of their identities as personal and professional strengths.
PROGRAMS FOR STAFF
Equity-In-Action Series
In this annual professional development training series open to staff, E&I hosts introductions to a wide range of commonly requested topics related to equity and inclusion. The goal is to support departments in developing relevant, tangible skills to continue strengthening an inclusive and equitable workplace culture and expanding their toolbox for supporting a diverse student body. Staff can RSVP for these events through the invitations sent to your email. For assistance in registering, please email inclusion@law.upenn.edu.
August 8, 2024
In this interactive workshop, participants will learn about neurodivergent conditions, develop communication strategies, and gain tools for creating a more inclusive environment
December 4, 2024
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore gender, learn about pronouns, and identify best practices in appropriately engaging with and supporting students and colleagues across gender identities.
January 2025 (Date to be announced)
In this interactive workshop, participants will explore gender, learn about pronouns, and identify best practices in appropriately engaging with and supporting students and colleagues across gender identities.
In this immersive, annual training series open to students, staff, and faculty, E&I hosts events focused on examining a different aspect of identity and culture each year. The goal is to foster an appreciation for the complexity of identity and cultural differences that shape our lives and work. These programs will promote self-awareness, equip individuals with tools to challenge preconceptions and misconceptions, and offer opportunities to learn and practice culturally sensitive communication skills. Because these skills are particularly important for effective client-centered lawyering, students who participate in these programs may earn pro bono training hours.
Spring 2025 Topic
Please visit in Fall 2024 for an update on our next Bridging Divides Series!
Past Topics
Examining Religious Bias Through the Lenses of Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Religious identity spans many aspects of life and culture and is deeply rooted in history. The complexity and nuance of religious belief, practice, and identity are sometimes replaced by stereotypes and binaries, particularly in times of conflict. This series aimed to examine and resist this reductive tendency by expanding cultural awareness and promoting skills that are key to working effectively across difference. Given the recent rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, the first two events in this series examined each one in depth. The presentations explored the complexity of these categories and the interconnectedness of religious and other forms of identity-based bias. They also identified common themes that arose across religious bias in order to deepen our understanding of each other’s experiences and perspectives. The series culminated in a workshop that more deeply examined the interconnected elements of religious bias.
Part I. A Focus on Antisemitism
Presenter: Rabbi Mike Uram, Chief Jewish Learning Officer, Jewish Federations of North America
Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
Time: 12-1:15pm
Location: Silverman 245A
About Rabbi Mike
Rabbi Mike Uram is the first ever Chief Jewish Learning Officer for Jewish Federations of North America. Previously, he served as the Chief Vision and Education Officer for Pardes North America building a new platform for Jewish education in North America. Before that, Mike led Penn Hillel as the Executive Director and Campus Rabbi for over 16 years. Mike holds a BA in History and Religious Studies from Washington University and Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Learn more about Rabbi Mike here.
Part II. A Focus on Islamophobia
Presenter: Homayra Ziad, PhD, Sr. Lecturer, Program in Islamic Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Date: Monday, February 19, 2024
Time: 12-1:15pm
Location: Silverman 245A
About Dr. Homayra Ziad
Homayra Ziad is a scholar-activist and a nationally recognized interfaith and intercultural practitioner. She received her doctorate in Religious Studies from Yale, training as a generalist in classical and modern Islam with a special interest in philosophical Sufism and Indo-Persian textual traditions. She is Senior Lecturer at the Program in Islamic Studies at Johns Hopkins University, Faculty Fellow at Hopkins’ Center for Social Concern, and a Faith and Health Fellow with Interfaith America. Learn more about Dr. Ziad here.
Part III. Examining the Interconnected Elements of Religious Bias
Date: Monday, April 1, 2024
Times: 12-1:15pm
Location: Silverman 245A
The conclusion of this year’s Bridging Divides Series featured presenters Rabbi Mike Uram and Dr. Homayra Ziad, who engaged in conversation to more deeply examine the interconnected elements of religious bias.
