Systems of Support: Promoting equity through activism, allyship, and community
Date
2019-04-03
Authors
UT Libraries' Diversity Action Committee
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Description
UT Libraries’ Diversity Action Committee held its 2019 Spring Event on April 3, 2019. Systems of Support focused on systemic means of promoting equity for those who experience marginalization in academia and beyond. Participants heard about how systems of support at UT can be utilized as scholars embark on their paths to success and how they could be involved in making UT a more supportive and inclusive environment.
Speakers Angela Hall Watkins and Sebastián Colón-Otero talked about how vital support was in their own lives and inspired students to seek out support systems for themselves or to create them when they see an unfulfilled need. Student Body Vice President Mehraz Rahman moderated a panel session with the two speakers, answering student questions including how to find a mentor and how TAs can better support their students.
The event also included a tabling space for student groups to discuss their work on campus. The Black Student Graduate Association, disABILITY Advocacy Student Coalition, and iSchool Pride participated in the event and the UT chapter of the American Library Association and Texas Library Association (UT ALA/TLA) provided a resource table highlighting library and campus resources. The Counseling and Mental Health Center was also present to discuss the services they provide to students, and the Texas Chapter of Free Mom Hugs came all the way from Dallas to give hugs to students and discuss their work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.