RSVP for Diversity Week Events

Diversity Week Event Live-Streams and Recordings

Monday, March 18, 2013
“Embracing Our Mosaic: Diversity Week Kick-Off Lunch”
Note: This is a Law School Community only event.
Lunch served at 12:00 p.m.
Remarks begin at 12:30 p.m.
Reading Room, William F. Starr Hall
Join us as we celebrate our diverse cultures by feasting on an array of various foods. This potluck luncheon aims to bring together students, faculty, and members of the Law School community to commune and celebrate what makes us each unique individuals. We will also be hearing from the Honorable Lubbie Harper, Jr. ’75, judge trial referee of the Connecticut Supreme Court, who will deliver brief remarks regarding the importance of diversity in the legal community.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013
“Teasing out the ‘T’ in LGBT: Transgender Rights and Awareness”
Lunch served at 12:30 p.m.
Remarks begin at 1:00 p.m.
Janet M. Blumberg Hall, Hosmer Hall
This workshop will explore issues of transgender rights and awareness, gender identity, and gender expression. Diana Lombardi, a guest lecturer at the University of Connecticut and Western New England University School of Law, will moderate the workshop. She has been a workshop facilitator on transgender awareness and inclusion and has participated in the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities summit on this topic.

“Unequal Under the Law: A Discussion About DOMA”
Remarks begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception to follow
Reading Room, William F. Starr Hall
The Lambda Law Society and the UConn Law School Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union invite you to join us for what promises to be an invigorating discussion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the legal challenge soon to be heard by the Supreme Court of the United States. An esteemed panel of experts will discuss the multitude of ways in which DOMA affects married same-sex couples, the intricacies of the pending case, and the potential implications of the Supreme Court’s decision.

Panelists:
• Susan Schmeiser, Professor of Law, University of Connecticut School of Law
• Sandra Staub, Legal Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut
• Ari Waldman, Adjunct Professor of Law, Brooklyn Law School, Paul F. Lazarsfeld Fellow, Columbia University, and legal blogger on same sex marriage issues.

Moderator: Karen L. DeMeola ’96, Assistant Dean of Students, University of Connecticut School of Law

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Ice Breaking with Ice Cream
Note: This is a Law School Community only event.
12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Reading Room, William F. Starr Hall
Is there a better way to spend a beautiful afternoon than enjoying custom made Ben & Jerry’s sundaes while mingling with members of the Law School community? The purpose of this ice cream social is to facilitate interaction between community members so we can all learn and value what makes each and every one of us unique.

“Fitting In, But Standing Out”
Sponsored by the Affinity Bar Associations of Connecticut
Remarks begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception to follow
William R. Davis Courtroom, William F. Starr Hall
In most work environments, individuals may feel a need to fit into the work culture, but in order to progress up the ladder, individuals must also stand out and differentiate (and diversify) themselves. The work environment may present individuals with a personal dilemma: conform to a corporate culture or stay true to what makes an individual diverse. This panel of practitioners aims to share their experiences and address the personal and professional struggles in finding a balance in “Fitting In, But Standing Out.”  Be part of the discussion and be ready to mingle.

Panelists:
• Andy Correa, Member, St. Onge Steward Johnston & Reens LLC, and President, South Asian Bar Association of Connecticut
• Carolyn Ikari, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Connecticut and Member, Connecticut Asian Bar Association
• Alina Reynolds, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Connecticut and Member, Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association
• Alexis High Smith, Deputy Director, New Haven Legal Aid and President, George W. Crawford Black Bar Association

Thursday, March 21, 2013
“ ‘Divided We Fall’ - Unity Through Our Stories”
Film screening begins at 4:00 p.m. with a reception to follow
William R. Davis Courtroom, William F. Starr Hall
Join us for the screening of “Divided We Fall,” a documentary on post-9/11 racism by critically acclaimed lawyer, civil rights advocate, and filmmaker, Valarie Kaur. Kaur, who is the founding director of the Yale Visual Law Project, will also screen clips from her latest project. Her films are artistic exposés that serve as catalysts and the momentum behind many social justice movements and real social change. Kaur will deliver remarks then take questions from the audience. Professor James Kwak will deliver introductory remarks.

Friday, March 22, 2013
“The Power in Our Narratives”
Note: This is a Law School Community only event.
Lunch served at 12:30 p.m.
Remarks begin at 12:45 p.m.
Janet M. Blumberg Hall, Hosmer Hall
Join the SBA Diversity Committee in celebrating diversity by listening to readings of personal stories about adversity and perseverance from members of our Law School community. We will discuss a host of different issues ranging from religion to disability status.

“Continuum/ Keeping the Discussion Going”
This event is sponsored by the Student Bar Association.
Note: This is a Law School Community only event.
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wood-N-Tap, Sisson Avenue, Hartford
Continue the conversation with members of the Law School community over good food and music!

All events hosted and sponsored by the SBA Diversity Committee.
We gratefully acknowledge the Student Bar Association and the Dean’s Office for their support of Diversity Week 2013.

Participating Student Organizations:
American Civil Liberties Union, UConn Law Chapter
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association
Black Law Students Association
Christian Legal Society
Federalist Society
Jewish Law Students’ Association
Lambda Law Society
Latino Law Students Association
South Asian Law Students Association
Women Law Students’ Association
And More!

If you require reasonable accommodations for a disability, please contact Jane Thierfeld Brown at (860) 570-5132.