Proposals for UW Shepard Symposium on Social Justice Accepted

The 2016 annual Shepard Symposium on Social Justice, scheduled April 6-9, is accepting proposal submissions. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, Jan. 31.

The symposium, an annual event at the University of Wyoming since 1997, has evolved into a national conference. Originally called “The Symposium for the Eradication of Social Inequality,” the symposium involves UW students in a dialogue on issues related to social justice, particularly within the context of public education.

In 2003, the symposium was renamed the “Shepard Symposium on Social Justice,” honoring the work of the Shepard family and the memory of their son, Matthew Shepard, a UW student and social activist. The symposium works as a living reminder of the need for information and dialogue about social justice concerns in the United States and around the world. 

The theme of the 2016 symposium is “Reflecting on 20 years of Social Justice: Local, National, Global.”   

Proposal submissions should critically examine an aspect of today’s social and environmental justice landscape. Proposals examining interconnections between LGBTQ, racial and ethnic, disability, sustainability and economic issues are welcomed. Previous topics include social justice in a media-driven world, environmental justice, issues of cultural and economic justice, women’s issues, and the effects of race, class and gender in teaching and learning.

All symposium sessions are 30-60 minutes. Possible formats for conference participation include: a paper or research presentation, panel discussion, workshop and performance.

Proposals can be submitted online at http://goo.gl/forms/si9IhSG7Rr.

Individuals will be notified of proposal status by Friday, Feb. 19. All submissions are evaluated by a peer-review process. The symposium does not offer honorariums or stipends for travel. Registration for the symposium and lunch Thursday, Friday and Saturday are free.

For more information, contact shepardsymposium@uwyo.edu or visit www.shepardsymposium.org.