Fredrik Finney-Jordet/The Broadside

COCC plans to host a virtual forum on racial inequalities this Monday titled, “Addressing Racial Inequalities and Responding to Hate Speech.” The meeting will include speeches from the college president, the psychology faculty and other college staff, according to COCC’s announcement of the event. The topics discussed will include stereotypes, prejudice, privilege and how to address hate speech. There will be an opportunity for community discussion.

The event will be hosted and run by COCC but is open to the community at large. According to Christy Walker, the director of diversity and inclusion at COCC, “[we] invite everyone who wants to learn to be a part of this event. We want to show that we live up to our values that COCC is a welcoming and inclusive place.” Walker said that this type of event speaks to non tolerance for hate and acts of discrimination.

When asked about how this forum serves the overall conversation on race amidst arguments for change across the country, Walker said that this forum aims to offer opportunities to normalize talking about race. “[We] are providing space for folks to ask questions and learn about the impact that racism and hate speech has on BILAPOC community members,” Walker said.

Walker is optimistic that conversations like this forum can benefit efforts toward equity. “[We] hope that BILAPOC community members and allies can work together to combat hate speech,” Walker said.

“In a perfect world, we would not need to have these types of events…I am hopeful. I think our community wants to see equity and inclusion realized. This forum hopefully gets us one step closer.”

The forum is free to attend and will take place from 4 pm to 5 pm on Nov. 16. Attendees must register, which can be done from the COCC website.