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Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium

The second SIU System Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium was held October 19-20, 2023, at the Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, with 100+ attendees present. “Reclaiming Our Stories and Reimagining Success”, this year’s Symposium theme, included moderators and panelists from all SIU campuses as well as other DEI advocates. Summing up the theme for day one of the Symposium was keynote speaker, Reverend Wheeler Parker, Jr., the cousin and last living witness to the Emmett Till kidnapping. Rev. Parker’s comments were philosophical, riveting, thought provoking, and at times spiritual. He recounted that fateful night when his cousin and best friend was kidnapped and subsequently murdered.

“Thank you for joining us today as we gather under the theme "Reclaiming Our Stories and Reimaging Student Success." This title holds profound significance as we find ourselves in a time where the very essence of education, antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion is under siege. In 34 states across the nation, anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) legislation has been passed, and book bans threaten the very narratives that help shape our understanding of the world. Now, more than ever, we need to be vigilant and purposeful in our efforts to counteract these challenges.

"Reclaiming Our Stories" epitomizes our mission to restore the voices, narratives, and histories that have been marginalized and erased over time. It is a call to action to tell our authentic stories – the stories of voice who have been minimized and silenced. And the untold struggles and achievements that have shaped our society.

One of our primary objectives in gathering today is to reflect on why our students in higher education sometimes succeed and sometimes falter. A significant part of this success or struggle can be traced back to the history of America – a history of inequality, and systemic discrimination that still echoes through our institutions. To understand and address the challenges faced by our students, we must examine the historical context and ongoing biases that affect their educational journey”. Dr. Sheila Caldwell, SIU System Vice President, ADEI

The Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium gathers educational leaders, legislators, and community partners from across the state to create, sustain, and expand equity for every student, employee, and community member. Attendees are invited to this two-day symposium to help disrupt roadblocks to ensure a thriving Illinois.

On June 7, 2022, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law. He affirmed, “Access to affordable, quality higher education shouldn’t be a privilege. Today, we take a step forward in ensuring everyone – especially our historically underrepresented students – have the resources and investment necessary to thrive in our first-rate public education system.”

requires State public universities and community colleges to develop and implement equity plans and practices to increase the access, retention, completion and student loan repayment rates for minority students, rural students, adult students, women, and people with disabilities who are traditionally underrepresented in education programs and activities.