CONFERENCE PROGRAM
5:45 – 6:00 p. m. Welcome Remarks
President Deanne D’ Emilio, JD, Gwynedd Mercy University Dean Lisa McGarry, PhD, College of Arts, Sciences, and Professional Studies Tatiana Diaz, Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Peggy Kerr, EdD, Conference Chair, and Assistant Professor, Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
6:00 – 7:00 pm Keynote: Equity Under Fire: Why DEI is More Essential Than Ever
Description: For over a decade, states across the nation have worked to build equitable systems that increase educator diversity and cultivate culturally relevant and sustaining educators, all to improve outcomes for young learners. In Pennsylvania, for example, PEDC’ s transformative efforts have led to significant progress. However, a growing wave of anti-DEI policies and administrations now threaten to dismantle this critical work. They will not succeed.
The progress made over the last decade has been in support of equity for all learners. It is crucial to help invested partners understand that when schools affirm and uplift Black and brown students, it benefits everyone. A truly equitable education system strengthens communities, fosters inclusive learning environments, and ensures that EVERY student has the opportunity to thrive.
At PEDC, we remain steadfast in our mission, using a framework of targeted universalism and collective impact to build and strengthen systems, even as these policies threaten students and educators alike. Now more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to equity, ensuring that our progress is not undone but instead continues to drive meaningful and lasting change across Pennsylvania and the nation.
Outcomes:
• Understand the Impact of DEI Initiatives: Gain insights into the progress Pennsylvania has made in increasing educator diversity and fostering culturally relevant and sustaining education.
• Examine Current Challenges to DEI: Explore how policy shifts and anti-DEI efforts threaten equitable education and what they mean for students, educators, and communities.
• Learn Strategies for Resilience and Advocacy: Discover how targeted universalism and collective impact can be leveraged to sustain and strengthen equity-focused initiatives.
• Engage in Action-Oriented Dialogue: Discuss ways to mobilize educators, policymakers, and communities to protect and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
• Commit to Sustained Change: Identify concrete steps individuals and organizations can take to ensure continued progress in educational equity, despite resistance.
Presenter: Donna-Marie Cole, PhD, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium( PEDC) and Assistant Professor, Professional and Secondary Education, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania