Campus News

'The Defamation Experience': Challenging Preconceived Notions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2017) — The University of Kentucky Unconscious Bias Initiative is working to incorporate the understanding of unconscious bias to foster an environment where every member of the UK community feels a sense of belonging.

Numerous sessions have been held locally and throughout the state for faculty, staff and students to expose themselves to the concept of unconscious bias and to learn how to mitigate the impact of unconscious thoughts.

To that end, the UK Unconscious Bias Initiative, the UK Martin Luther King Center and the UK Center for Graduate and Professional Diversity Initiatives are sponsoring a special event — "The Defamation Experience" — for the entire UK community and guests. "The Defamation Experience" is a unique interactive diversity program comprising three components; the play explores the highly charged issues of race, religion, gender, class and the law with a twist: the audience is the jury. Through deliberations and post-show discussions, audiences engage in civil discourse that challenges preconceived notions.

"The Defamation Experience" will take place at the following times and locations:

  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Room 027 College of Medicine Building;
  • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, Gatton College of Business and Economics Kincaid Auditorium;
  • 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the William T. Young Library UK Athletics Auditorium; 
  • 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center; and 
  • 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Nov. 16, in the Young Library UK Athletics Auditorium.

All shows are free and open to the UK community. For more information, contact marietta.watts@uky.edu.