Diversity & Social Justice in Education Conference

Theme: Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope

The theme of the 2025 Diversity & Social Justice in Education Conference is Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope.

This year’s theme invites participants to explore how we can be a transformative force in building a future rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through fostering hope and celebrating diverse perspectives, we aim to empower individuals and communities to create meaningful change. By engaging in critical dialogue, sharing innovative practices, and deepening our commitment to social justice, this conference provides a platform to reimagine education as a beacon of opportunity and resilience.

The conference theme centers around building a world that is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of belonging. This conference aims to give students from diverse disciplines a space to discuss and present on topics that intersect with diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice matters. Participants are encouraged to include perspectives across diverse identities including but not limited to education, religion, nationality, political beliefs, ethnicity, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, or socioeconomic background.

Join us in advancing a collective vision where diversity and hope inspire a brighter, more equitable tomorrow.

Event Date: 

Friday, April 18th, 2025

Event Location:

Hemmingson Center

Event Time:

9:30 am – 3:00pm

 

Proposal Submission Guidelines

Deadline for Submissions: Monday, March 7th, 2025

Conference Proposal Review Team:
Proposals will be reviewed by members of the School of Education’s Diversity and Social Justice Committee, consisting of faculty, staff, and graduate students. The primary contact for the 2025 submission cycle will be Dr. Carissa Basile. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to her at basile@gonzaga.edu or (509)313-4287.

Eligibility Requirements & Registration:
Gonzaga University students (undergraduate or graduate) are eligible to apply.
Registration is free for all student presenters.

For any questions related to poster costs, please reach out to the conference committee or your Department Chair for potential funding.

Proposals Must Include:

  • Name(s) of author(s)
  • Departmental and/or Organizational affiliation
  • Connection to learning outcomes in at least one of the following areas:
    • Articulating the advantages and impact of a diverse society
    • Exhibiting respect and preserving the dignity of others
    • Recognizing social systems and their influence on people
    • Affirming and valuing the worth of individuals and communities
    • Speak to theme (Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope)
    • Articulate historical structure systems and conditions
  • Submission Form
  • Works Cited/References
Submission Form!

 

 

 

Faculty Resources

Want to integrate this conference into your course? 

Sample Syllabi Assignments:
Note: Any of these assignments can be modified to fit your course topics and student majors.

Projects can include, but are not limited to:

  • Conduct research projects on diversity related topic (list out examples)
    • Ex: Evaluate how diversity of ability affects how mental health presents itself/emerges
    • Ex: Evaluate various trainings on effectively promoting diversity and inclusion in sports
    • Ex: Compare intervention efficacy on kids with disabilities
  • Conduct a literature review on a topic related to diversity
    • Ex: Conduct a literature review on bridging the gap in low-income communities through an access and economics lens
    • Ex: Conduct a literature review on effective teaching practices for various
  • Create artwork related to the theme Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope
    • Ex: Create a painting illustrating diversity of age
    • Ex: Print photograph of various abilities playing sports
  • Have students conduct interviews with members of your degree related to content of disability or the theme Empowering the Future through Education, Diversity, and Hope
    • Ex: Students can interview other majors on implementing culturally sensitive practice
    • Ex: Conduct interviews with teachers about effective teaching practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Sample Syllabi Language:

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Download our example.