The Bismarck Human Relations (HRC) and BSC Embracing Diversity Committees will kick-off “Diversity University”, Putting “U” in Community, a series of three panel discussions beginning Thursday, Sept. 13. Each event will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Bismarck State College Student Union Prairie Room, 1425 Schafer Street. The events are free of charge and open to the public.
Sept. 13 – “81 Days & Counting: My Journey Back”A presentation by an exercise/eating disorder survivor, advocate and educator for eating disorders, self-esteem, recovery, healthy body image and sexual orientation featuring Troy Roness, a candidate in a graduate program at Minot State University studying Education, Cognitive Science and Mind/Brain Research.
Sept. 20 – “Bullying and Cyber-bullying”A panel discussion and open forum on the effects of bullying and cyber-bullying facilitated by Brian Palecek, United Tribes Technical College, featuring Nicole Weiss, Abused Adult Resource Center; Tim Hathaway, Prevent Child Abuse ND; Teresa Carrigan, Police Youth Bureau and Mike Heilman, Bismarck Public Schools.
Sept. 27 - “Challenges and Opportunities in Housing”A panel discussion and open forum on the housing needs in Bismarck and West Central North Dakota with particular attention focused on the specific needs of diverse populations, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. The open forum will be facilitated by Rose Stoller, Consensus Council. The forum will feature Tony Weiler, N.D. Commissioner of Labor, Royce Schultze from the Dakota Center for Independent Living; representatives from the Housing Alliance of N.D.; AARP, and Mike Anderson, N.D. Housing Finance Agency.
The mission of the Human Relations Committee is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck citizens and to eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from reaching their full human potential.
The Bismarck Human Relations Committee and Bismarck State College Embracing Diversity Committee have partnered to co-sponsor the Diversity University Series.