Affirmative Action in Action

About the Workshop

This workshop provides an opportunity to expand the knowledge participants have gained about the policy of affirmative action in the Equal Employment Opportunity workshop. A historical overview of the policy is explored, as well as the legal obligations of federal contractors with regards to affirmative action. Often, misinformation, mis-communication, and myths surround the concept of affirmative action, which will be clarified in this workshop. Participants will learn about the various individuals and groups involved in shaping the policy of affirmative action as well as the actual implementation of affirmative action in a selection decision. Each participant in the workshop will assume the role of one of these individuals or groups. Through the group interactions in this workshop, faculty, staff, students, and our wider community will have a better understanding of the intricacies and scope of the policy of affirmative action.

About the Instructors

Carson Cook, assistant vice provost with NC State’s Office for Equal Opportunity and Equity, possesses more than 25 years of experience managing equal opportunity, affirmative action, and diversity programs in government, academic, and corporate settings. Prior to his appointment at NC State, Mr. Cook held positions as director of diversity and compliance programs at Mississippi State University, associate director of diversity and compliance programs at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, director of equal opportunity programs at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, and assistant director for affirmative action at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. Mr. Cook holds a bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago and has completed graduate work at the University of Chicago.

Gillian Norton, an NC State doctoral student in the Social Psychology program, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity assistant in the Office for Equal Opportunity who conducts research on equal opportunity topics, aids in the development of OEO educational opportunities, and helps educate the campus community about unlawful workplace harassment. Her research includes the influence of affirmative action on intergroup tension while her interests encompass social justice interdependence.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Registration Form for OEO-Sponsored Workshops (EOI participants must use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

Diversity, Discrimination & Affirmative Action

About the Workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to explore affirmative action and related concepts. The workshop has three sections. The first section helps participants understand their many perceptions of affirmative action as a concept by presenting the origins and development of affirmative action, defining "affirmative action" and an affirmative action plan, identifying significant actions leading to affirmative action, and defining other affirmative action key terms.

The second section explores the foundations and definitions of racism and prejudice as they relate to affirmative action. Gender, racial, religion, national origin, and color stereotypes are also discussed.

The third section explores the concept and definition of discrimination based on prohibited factors. Five levels of discrimination and Types of power are discussed as they relate to affirmative action.

About the Instructor

Vincent C. Joiner, a 22-year U.S. Army veteran, served in the artillery, personnel recruiting, training, and race relations units. Currently employed by The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, he conducts compliance evaluations of federal contractors' affirmative action plans and human resources policies and practices. Mr. Joiner, a 1991 Cum Laude Sociology BA graduate of Fayetteville State University, attended Central Michigan University and Fort Bragg’s Education Center to complete a Masters of Human Resources Administration. He is also a distinguished graduate of the Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Registration Form for OEO-Sponsored Workshops (EOI participants must use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)

About the Workshop

Learn more about the laws that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces and how the organization operates and handles charges. You will also hear case studies and gain insights into how to avoid employment discrimination. An EEOC representative presents this workshop.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Registration Form for OEO-Sponsored Workshops (EOI participants must use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

Equal Opportunity Jeopardy

About the Workshop

Equal Opportunity Jeopardy is an educational game for team participants designed to to review equal employment opportunity laws and history, affirmative action, and diversity. This program is both educational and fun. The game has the format of Jeopardy. Although no money is given away, the fun and learning is priceless.

About the Instructor

Beverly Jones Williams, director of outreach and education, has worked at NC State for many years in various positions. In her first position in University Housing, she lived on campus and worked directly with students. In 1988, she left NC State to take a position as area coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She later returned to NC State as the assistant director in University Housing. After working in housing, Ms. Williams made a shift into training as a training and development specialist in Human Resources. In 2000, she moved to the Office for Equal Opportunity where she directs the Equal Opportunity Institute, NCBI, and Study Circles on Race and Race Relations.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Registration Form for OEO-Sponsored Workshops (EOI participants must use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

Exploring Oppression

About the Workshop

The cycle of oppression in American society stems from an abuse of power with resulting negative treatment and outcomes for a variety of peoples. One solution to the cycle of oppression has been equal opportunity and Civil Rights laws designed to prohibit oppressive behavior towards legally protected classes of people. Within this workshop, you will have the opportunity to question your role in the cycle of oppression by asking: Am I oppressed? Do I oppress others? What is my role in breaking the cycle of oppression? You will explore the existence, definition, cycle of oppression, and the experience of oppression for individuals and groups. Finally, strategies to eliminate oppression from the perspective of the oppressed and the oppressor will be examined.

About the Instructor

Beverly Jones Williams, director of outreach and education, has worked at NC State for many years in various positions. In her first position in University Housing, she lived on campus and worked directly with students. In 1988, she left NC State to take a position as area coordinator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She later returned to NC State as the assistant director in University Housing. After working in housing, Ms. Williams made a shift into training as a training and development specialist in Human Resources. In 2000, she moved to the Office for Equal Opportunity where she directs the Equal Opportunity Institute, NCBI, and Study Circles on Race and Race Relations.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Registration Form for OEO-Sponsored Workshops (EOI participants must use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

Legacies + Layers = Lenses
(Campus Diversity Conflicts: Methods for Managing the Unmanageable)

About the Program

CONFLICT is a word that strikes fear in the hearts of most people. Unresolved conflicts, with the added dimension of diversity, including racial/ethnic differences, sexual orientation, gender, and religion to name a few, prevent positive, sustained personal and professional growth. Participants look at the world through their own set of spectacles, or perceptual filters, comprising what they have been taught and what they have seen, heard, and experienced. These perceptual filters are lenses through which everyone looks at differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, and nationality. This interactive session offers ideas and skills to assist university faculty, staff, and students in addressing the management of negative conflict in proactive, constructive ways. Various methods, including appropriate diversity training, coaching, group facilitation, and mediation are showcased and discussed.

About the Instructor

Versatile… intense… exciting… innovative… and dynamic are the terms used to describe Tia Marie Doxey. Ms. Doxey is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelors of Music. She also received a Masters of Education with an emphasis in Higher Education from NC State. Tia Marie Doxey with more than twelve years of high education administration experience has worked at Old Dominion University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and NC State University. Ms. Doxey, also an actor and singer, has performed in several operas and portrayed Mama Lena in “Raisin in the Sun” at NC State. Committed to educating others about cross-culture communication, diversity, white privilege, and coalition building, Ms. Doxey shares her inspirational and entertaining messages with associations, conferences, corporations, schools, and churches. She is currently associate director of residential life at NC Central University and the campus affiliate director for the NC Central chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI).

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Registration Form for OEO-Sponsored Workshops (EOI participants must use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI)

About the Program

Please see the NCBI website.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please see the NCBI website (EOI participants must use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

The Protected Class Series

About the Workshops

"Discrimination" has traditionally been defined as adverse treatment based on an individual's race, color, sex, national origin, or religion. These characteristics are sometimes called "protected classes" or "covered categories." Over the years, other federal and state laws have designated other protected classes, such as age and disability. While sexual orientation is not considered a protected class by federal or state law, it is the internal policy of NC State that sexual orientation should not be a factor upon which decisions are based; there are exceptions with respect to the University's relationships with outside organizations (such as the military).

The purpose of the Protected Class Series is to provide more information to the campus community regarding the ten protected classes that are covered in the University's policies. Eight of the ten protected classes are each covered in a separate workshop. In two instances, two of the protected classes are combined into one workshop because the subject material is so closely linked. A knowledgeable presenter facilitates each workshop.

For more information about the ten protected classes, see NC State's Protected Classes.

• The Protected Classes of Race & Color

Workshop participants learn the definition and use of the term "race" within the United States and how color relates to definitions of race and the perception of others. Participants examine cultural and racial misinformation, racial prejudice, and stereotyping as they gain an understanding of the laws protecting the classes of race and color.

• The Protected Classes of Religion & Creed

Participants learn about discrimination on the bases of religion and creed and explore several religions, gain insights into how individuals and groups experience religious discrimination, and obtain strategies to help eliminate religious discrimination. A panel of representatives from different religions makes this workshop an invaluable opportunity to gain information.

• The Protected Class of Sex

This workshop provides an overview of why "sex" [or gender] is a protected class and features an examination of the laws that address discrimination based on gender. Also, recent court cases regarding sex discrimination and sexual harassment are shared.

• The Protected Class of National Origin

Participants in this session gain an understanding of culture, cultural awareness, and the relationship between assumptions, values, attitudes, and behaviors as they evaluate their own cultural values and learn tools for promoting positive interaction with foreign visitors. Through this session, participants learn the definition of "national origin" and how it relates to ethnicity and culture. Participants also identify cross-cultural mis-communication and gain insights into foreign nationals' experience in the United States.

• The Protected Class of Age

This workshop provides answers to the following questions:

• Who are the aged?
• What are the basic facts and common misconceptions about the aged?
• What is ageism?
• What are the different types of ageism?
• What are the causes of ageism?
• What are the major consequences of ageism?
• How can you avoid ageism?
• How can ageism be reduced in the workplace?

• The Protected Class of Disability

Through this workshop, participants learn the definition of the term "disability" with respect to an individual, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. In addition, participants learn what the laws require, engage in dialogue and gain insight into the experiences of persons with disabilities.

• The Protected Class of Veteran Status

In this workshop, participants learn about veterans and the discrimination they experience. Participants also learn about the laws regarding veteran status.

• The Protected Class of Sexual Orientation/Project SAFE

Project SAFE training covers a variety of issues, facts, myths, and ally skills. Following training, you will receive a placard to place in your office or window that identifies you as a Project SAFE member. The expectations of Project SAFE training are to promote active participation for a conducive learning environment; to share knowledge, thoughts, ideas and openness toward diversity and individual differences.

About the Instructors

Dr. Erdman Palmore, professor emeritus, Duke University, is the instructor for The Protected Class of Age. Dr. Palmore, born in Japan to missionary parents and raised in Virginia, received a BA degree from Duke University, MA from the University of Chicago, and Ph.d. from Columbia University, all in Sociology. He taught at Yale University and did research for the Social Security Administration prior to coming to Duke University in 1967. At Duke, he has been coordinator for the Duke Longitudinal Studies and principal investigator of several research projects. He is now professor emeritus of Medical Sociology and editor of the Aging Center newsletter. The recipient of several awards, Dr. Palmore has written or edited 15 books, including the Normal Aging series, International Handbook on the Aged, Handbook on the Aged in the U.S., Facts on Aging Quiz, Ageism and author of "Vintage Years," a monthly column published in Fifty Plus news magazine. He has also written 20 chapters in other books and over 70 articles in professional journals. a fellow of the American Sociological Society, the Gerontologist Society of America, and past president of the Southern Gerontological Society, Dr. Palmore received the the Distinguished Academic Gerontologist award. His research and teaching interests include ageism, knowledge about aging, race relations, retirement, longevity, life satisfaction, health, and international gerontology.

Hanya Redwan (and another instructor to be announced) is the instructor for The Protected Class of National Origin. Hanya Redwan, associate director in the Office of International Scholar and Student Services (OISSS) and an NC State graduate, has more than 15 years experience serving both students and scholars with immigration-related issues. A professional specialist in immigration compliance, visa document issuance, and general advising, she also provides multicultural training and assistance to the campus community. She is also an active member of the professional organization NAFSA, where she provides immigration training and support to colleagues at other academic institutions.

Amy Circosta, J.D., is the instructor for The Protected Class of Sex. Ms. Circosta is the director of harassment prevention & equity programs in the Office for Equal Opportunity at NC State University. Her position involves investigating and resolving complaints of unlawful discrimination and harassment at the University through both informal and formal procedures, as well as educating the campus community about unlawful harassment. Before coming to NC State, she served as ombudsman for San Diego State University. As ombudsman, she provided a confidential and independent resource for conflict resolution on campus. Ms. Circosta earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona and is licensed to practice law in California.

Mr. James Benton, Sr., instructor for The Protected Class of Disability, was born in Asheville, NC, on April 14, 1958 to James Luther Benton and Mary Alice Benton. He resided there until the age of seven, when he began attending school at The Governor Morehead School (GMS) for the Blind on the Garner Road campus. He lost most of his sight at an early age and began attending GMS when it was apparent that he could no longer attend public school. At Governor Morehead, he learned Braille, social skills, and regular academic studies. Upon his graduation from Governor Morehead in June of 1978, He attended Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, where he majored in Social Welfare and Urban Studies. His career spans the community widely. Here are just a few of his accomplishments:

• manager of the division of services for the Blind Business Enterprise snack bar;
• customer service representative, guest services representative, and staff trainer for Holiday Inn Hotels;
• community employment specialist, The Governor Morehead School for the Blind, (current position, responsible for assisting students and adults in obtaining employment and training);
• chairperson, Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities;
• president, The Raleigh Blind Bowlers Association; president, The Carolina Bowling Alliance; second vice president, American Blind Bowler’s Association;
• member of TTA Advisory Board, Raleigh Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

John Townsley and assistant vice provost Carson Cook (see bio above) are the instructors for The Protected Class of Veteran Status. Townsley, an NC State graduate with an MS in counseling and a Raleigh Veteran Center retiree, actively served in the armed forces during the Vietnam War.

Jill Guzman is an instructor for The Protected Class of National Origin with Hanya Redwan. Jill is the International Employment Manager within HR for NC State and has more than 10 years of immigration experience. Her current position involves assisting faculty with immigration and visa issues and overseeing the employment verification process and compliance procedures at NC State. Jill received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law and is licensed to practice law in Illinois. From 1997 to 2007, she was an Associate/Senior Associate at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, a global immigration law firm. She has provided training to HR and legal professionals on various immigration topics, including immigration classifications, nonimmigrant visas, permanent residence, visa and travel issues, and employment verification and compliance. Prior to joining the law firm, Jill worked for DePaul University’s International Human Rights Law Institute for two years, and spent time in several Central American countries assisting on various human rights-related investigations.

Pennie Graham is also an instructor for The Protected Class of National Origin. Pennie is an International Employment Specialist, and has more than seven years of immigration experience. Her current position involves assisting departments with immigration and visa issues. Prior to coming to NC State, Pennie worked at the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, where she gained immigration experience from 1994–1998. From 1998 until 2004 when she joined NC State, she developed and conducted training for Employment Specialists at local offices throughout North Carolina. She currently provides immigration training to departments and presents at QuickStart.

Special Note

You may attend one, some, or all of the Protected Class workshops. Participants in the Equal Opportunity Institute have first priority.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Registration Form for OEO-Sponsored Workshops (EOI participants must use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).

Study Circles on Race & Race Relations

About the Program

Please see the Study Circles website.

Workshop Schedule & Registration

For dates and times, or to register, please use the online Study Circles Registration Form (EOI participants must also use use the EOI Workshop Registration Form).