Creating inclusive communities is focus of annual seminar

An activist who is a writer and lawyer will lead a one-day seminar November 3 that focuses on creating inclusive classrooms, communities and campus environments.

Deepa Iyer, senior fellow at the Center for Social Inclusion in New York City, will lead conversations that explore the effects of bias, structural racism and Islamophobia, as well as best practices that can create inclusive and safe communities. The seminar, hosted by the University Counseling Center, will take place from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, Grand River Room.

Iyer is the author of "We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future," which received a 2016 American Book Award. She has held many roles, including executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together and trial attorney at the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The cost to attend is $50 for faculty, staff members and students; $99 for community members. Lunch is provided. Register by October 27 at www.gvsu.edu/counsel/mcseminar.

The Counseling Center's Multicultural Seminar, in its 21st year, is an annual all-day professional development opportunity open to mental health professionals, higher education personnel, students and community members. The seminar explores cultural, social and clinical service delivery models through a wide range of topics.

The program is approved by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Collaborative for 5 CEUs.

For more information, contact the University Counseling Center at (616) 331-3266.