26th Sweatt Symposium on Civil Rights to Focus on Education Crisis for Men of Color

The University of Texas at Austin 26th Annual Heman Sweatt Symposium on Civil Rights begins Feb. 8 with the theme, “Awareness to Action: Advancing Solutions for Men of Color.” The symposium includes four panel discussions in February, March and April and culminates with a Heman Sweatt Legacy Award black tie reception. The symposium also includes the second annual University of Texas Latino Male Symposium on May 4. A 2010 report [PDF] published by the College Board Advocacy and Policy Center has generated a growing focus on underrepresented groups of men in institutions of higher education. The report connects the disparate educational outcomes of young men with sobering statistics about unemployment, poverty and incarceration. It reveals the lack of success that males of color experience as they navigate the education system in the United States.

In response to the report, this year the Heman Sweatt Symposium on Civil Rights, organized by the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE), will provide a forum to discuss issues related to the education of young men of color including the latest research and best practices.

Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement, said, “The symposium focuses on solutions to the challenges outlined in the College Board report. There are a number of programs on campuses and in communities that successfully address issues faced by young men of color — we need to share the knowledge broadly and encourage others to face this issue head on.”

Special attention will be paid to African American, Asian American, Native American and Latino males at different symposium events.

The symposium is sponsored by the DDCE with support from colleges and departments across campus and the College Board.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, Feb. 8 — Opening Session: Advancing Solutions for Men of Color and The Crisis Facing America

Reception 5 p.m. Panel 6 p.m., John Hargis Hall, 1823 Red River St.

Panelists:

• Kevin Michael Foster, assistant professor, Department of Educational Administration, Center for African and African American Studies, and Department of African and African Diaspora Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
• Neil Horikoshi, president/executive director, Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
• Victor Sáenz, assistant professor, Department of Educational Administration, The University of Texas at Austin
• Ronald Williams (moderator), vice president, The College Board
• Mario Garza, executive director, Indigenous Cultures Institute
• Michael Lofton, director, African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation

Wednesday, Feb. 29 — Awareness to Action: The Asian American Male Experience

Reception 5 p.m. Panel 6 p.m., John Hargis Hall, 1823 Red River St.

Panelists:

• Mitchell Chang, professor, Division of Higher Education and Organizational Change, University of California – Los Angeles
• Eric Tang (moderator), assistant professor, Department of African and African Diaspora Studies, Center for African and African American Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
• Robert T. Teranishi, associate professor, Department of Higher Education, New York University

Wednesday, March 21 — Awareness to Action: The African American Male Experience

Reception 5 p.m. Panel 6 p.m., John Hargis Hall, 1823 Red River St.

Dialogue:

• James Moore III, associate provost, Office of Diversity and Inclusion; director, Todd Anthony Bell National Resource Center on the African American Male; professor, School of Physical Activity and Education Services, College of Education and Human Ecology, Ohio State University
• Leonard Moore, associate vice president, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement; professor, Department of History, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin

Panelists:

• Richard Reddick (moderator), assistant professor, Department of Educational Administration, Department of African and African Diaspora Studies, Center for African and African American Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
• Todd Suddeth, program director, Bell National Resource Center, Ohio State University
• Van Jobe, Community Development Program
• Anthony Whitlock, IT manager, Houston
• Richard Franklin, Youth Unlimited

Wednesday, April 11 — Awareness to Action: The Native American Male Experience

Reception 5 p.m.; Panel 6 p.m., Location TBD

Panelists:

• Lee Bitsoi, program director, Minority Action Plan, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School; education strategy consultant, Institute of Higher Education Policy
• Amy Fann, assistant professor, College of Education, University of North Texas
• Michael Fire, professor, Texas Woman’s University
• Shannon Speed (moderator), assistant vice president, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, associate professor, Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin

Friday, May 4 — The University of Texas at Austin Latino Male Symposium

9 a.m. 2 p.m., Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd.

For more information, email: m.lopez@austin.utexas.edu. Register for the one-day Latino Male Symposium online.

Friday, May 4 — The Heman Marion Sweatt Legacy Award Reception

7 p.m., Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd.

Registration will be required for this event. Registration will begin April 1; please visit the Sweatt Symposium website for more information at that time.