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“The Illinois Higher Education Symposium will curate spaces for participants to gain new insights to reimagine student success by learning from peers, legal experts, education scholars, and legislators who will share their knowledge and experiences on equity in higher education. In addition to America, participants will hear stories from Germany and South Africa with the aim to learn about structural changes that have advanced equity in education and society.
The symposium aims to provide a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions and share their experiences on how to promote equity in higher education. The event will provide opportunities for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in higher education and implement strategies to reduce harm and dismantle inequitable structures.
SIU defines equity as “act right, make right, and do right."
One of the goals of equity at SIU and in higher education is to eliminate disparities in educational outcomes among diverse groups of students. This includes reducing the institutional achievement gap, increasing access to higher education by providing financial aid and support services, and creating a welcoming environment for underrepresented students. It is important to continue to address inequities in higher education to ensure that all students have access to a quality education.
Evoking the 2023 Symposium theme, “Reclaiming Our Stories: Reimagining Student Success”, Reverend Wheeler Parker, Jr. will provide the mid-day keynote address on day one. Reverend Parker, the last living eyewitness to Emmett Till’s kidnapping, will recall, reclaim, and restore the horror that happened to his cousin, Emmett, 67 years ago and HIStory that needs to be remembered.”
