From silence to solidarity: advancing social justice in teaching
Monday 30 June 14.00 - 16.30
In a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are increasingly contested—and in some countries even officially restricted—we come together to reflect, share, and ask: What does it take to speak up for social justice—in the classroom and within our institutions?
This event takes place at Spui 25 and will be held in English. Entry is free. This is a Joint Seminar by Special Interest Group on International Classroom and Fair, Resilient and Inclusive Societies (FRIS).
Details
| Seminar | From silence to solidarity | |
| Date | Monday 30 June 2025 | |
| Location | Spui 25 | |
| Time | 14:00-16:30 |
This seminar will explore
- The growing global backlash against DEI initiatives, and what it means for our teaching and working environments
- The challenges of speaking up—whether about inequality and exclusion among students or among colleagues and staff
- The courage, tools, and collective support needed to uphold values of equity, inclusion, and internationalism in higher education
- How we can protect and re-energize (international) classroom practices rooted in dialogue, openness, and mutual respect
Programme
| 14:00 | Walk-in & refreshments | |
| 14:10 | Opening & Conscious Start – Dr. Mieke Lopes Cardozo | |
| 14:30 | Political developments around internatiolization and the UvA’s strategic stance – Tiffany Boersma (International Office) Brave enough to speak up – A VR based script supporting confidence in addressing injustice – Dr. Sindy Sumter | |
| 15:10 | Short Break | |
| 15:15 | Inquiry & Reflection Circles – Dr. Hülya Altinyelken | |
| 15:35 | The Mechanisms of Exclusion in Academia & The Network of Silence – Dr. Hülya Altinyelken | |
| 15:50 | Plenary Dialogue: Actionable Strategies for Social Justice – Dr. Maryn Wilkinson | |
| 16:15 | Open Conversation Over Drinks |