The Student Diversity and Inclusion Center is hosting a multiple-session workshop series on intersectionality, which is “the theory that the overlap of various social identities, as race, gender, sexuality, and class, contributes to the specific type of systemic oppression and discrimination experienced by an individual.” (dictionary.com). Being aware of intersectionality, especially in the workplace, is a critical skill in today’s society, where systemic oppression and discrimination still play a role. Registration is required, and the link can be found at https://calendar.und.edu/event/intersections_ableism_disability#.X25Ioi9h1o4. There are eight events in all, and span over two months.  

The Student Diversity and Inclusion Center is hosting several different workshops, and this week’s, Ableism and Disability, on Thursday, October 1 at 12 p.m., is one of several fascinating topics covered. Some upcoming topics include Unpacking Identity, on October 6, and Unseen Biases, on November 16, and a complete list of all topics, without dates, are Ableism and disability, Anti-racism and white consciousness, Intro to intersectionality, Intersectional feminism, Queer and trans identities, Religion and spirituality, Unpacking identity, and Unseen biases.  

According to the Intersections event on calender.und.edu, “Intersections is a workshop series designed to increase awareness and understanding of intersectionality. Participants that attend all Intersections workshops can earn a digital badge in Intersectionality Awareness.” Digital badges are a sign of competency, achievements, and skills learned. They can be shared on a variety of social media platforms, with LinkedIn being the most popular. This badge goes a long way to show the effort one has put in to learning about the truth of intersectionality and that they are a thoughtful, educated individual who thinks about the struggles and obstacles others face. 

According to https://und.edu/student-life/diversity/multicultural/intersections.html, “Sessions include facilitated conversations, individual activities, and presentations that look at lived experiences through multiple dimensions of race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and more. The purpose of Intersections is to dive deeper into understanding how people different from you experience the social world.” Students can expect to have their perspective challenged and leave with a new appreciation for the challenges and obstacles other individuals face on a day–to–day basis, and exactly how racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia can be an insurmountable obstacle for some people, and can make or break someone’s career. 

This Intersectionality workshop series is a fascinating event for anyone to go to, and anyone can learn from them and gain empathy and insight into the lives of others. Information and registration for this week’s session on Ableism and Disability can be found at https://calendar.und.edu/event/intersections_ableism_disability#.X25Ioi9h1o4, and all students are encouraged to attend. 

Kaitlyn Willet is a Dakota Student News Writer. She can be reached at [email protected]