Bias Incident Support Services to Host 'Allies and Accomplices' Event

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 6, 2017) — University of Kentucky Bias Incident Support Services will host an event — “Allies and Accomplices:  What Are They and Why Do We Need Them NOW?” —  from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, in the William T. Young Library Athletics Auditorium. The event will be centered around those in the campus community who want to do something when witnessing a bias incident but aren’t sure where to start.

"When we think of diversity, inclusion and belonging, it is important to look at it through the lens of the marginalized and minoritized identities," said Carol Taylor-Shim, bias incident response coordinator. "But what about those out there who identify as allies or accomplices — the people who often bear witness to bias and hatred but aren’t sure what to do to intervene? We hope to galvanize those people in our community. The goal of this event is to help our community understand the important roles allies and accomplices play in cultivating a culture of belonging."

Local activist, community organizer and motivational speaker, Tanya Torp, will facilitate a panel of campus allies and accomplices who will share their experiences and offer some perspective on the dynamics of advocating on behalf of others from marginalized identities and communities. This event will serve as the kick-off for a series of events and programs that will be offered during the 2017-2018 academic year.

UK is committed to nurturing a sense of belonging. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend and engage in fruitful dialogue about the importance of allies and accomplices in the UK community.  The event is a collaboration between Bias Incident Support Services, UK Counseling Center, and the Center for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT), with support from multiple campus partners.