Don Lemon
Openly gay CNN anchor Don Lemon, who came out in his memoir in 2011, will headline the University of North Texas’ 13th Equity and Diversity Conference on Feb. 1. Also speaking at the conference in Denton will be Cuc Vu, chief diversity officer for the Human Rights Campaign. From the UNT News Service:
The theme of the conference was chosen to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order, based on his constitutional authority as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, that proclaimed all slaves in Confederate territory to be forever free. The Proclamation immediately resulted in the freedom of 50,000 slaves in 10 Confederate states, and paved the way for hundreds of thousands more slaves to be liberated as the Union Army advanced in the Confederacy until nearly all slaves were free by the summer of 1865.
The conference, open to 500 participants, is aimed at students, educators and professionals who are committed to equity and diversity in higher education and in the workforce. It will include sessions on addressing unconscious biases and stereotypes and identifying barriers against more inclusive environments for those with disabilities, among other topics. Registration is free for students, $50 for UNT faculty and staff members and $150 for others, with group rates available for six or more people.
For more information or to register, go here.
