Campus Diversity & Inclusion
Engaging one another to understand differing viewpoints is vital to any enterprise and central to the core of learning at Union College.
Constructive Engagement aims to broaden our perspectives on different issues and presents an opportunity for us to engage in meaningful conversations instead of debates. Aligning with the College’s vision and strategic plan, the Constructive Engagement initiative provides the opportunity for every Union student to lead, to develop wisdom, empathy and courage. We foster a learning environment where students, faculty and staff are empowered to engage with one another through intentional dialogues and reflection that helps us learn and grow as a community.
The Union College Forum on Constructive Engagement was launched with a symposium on the inauguration of President David R. Harris in the fall of 2018. This symposium is aimed at enhancing our appreciation of the value of constructive engagement across perspectives. The series has continued with a number of guests from non-profit organizations.
Support for Constructive Engagement comes from Kelly Williams '86 and her husband, Andrew Forsyth, through the Williams Legacy Foundation.
Constructive Engagement events
“Racial Injustice: What Can U Do?”
Topic: The Union community reflects on the question: When you heard about the recent racial injustices, what were your immediate reactions and feelings? These were their responses.
“Cheaters, Felons and Abusers: Second Chances for the Hardest Cases”
Hanna Stotland
Theodore O’Neill
Topic: Perspectives on giving second chances to students who have been expelled from colleges and universities for Title IX, honor code and other offenses.
“Firearm Ownership”
Topic: Organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Students for Gun Sense, a conversation about others’ perspectives on Second Amendment Rights.
“The Gift of Our Wounds: Finding Forgiveness After Hate”
Pardeep Singh Kaleka
Arno Michaelis
Topic: A conversation featuring a former white supremacist and a Sikh whose father was killed in a mass shooting at a temple.
“Constructive Engagement: What We Know and What We Do”
Scott E. Page, professor of political science and economics, University of Michigan
Topic: Moderated by President Harris, this event featured a discussion with Page and a panel of community leaders, students, faculty and staff.