HENDERSON, Nev. – Nevada State University hosted the Nevada System of Higher Education’s (NSHE) Annual Diversity Summit for faculty, staff, students, and members of the community on Friday, October 4, 2024. The daylong, in-person event featured a keynote address, and sessions focused on encouraging the community to learn about and discuss timely elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
This year’s theme was “Good Trouble: Advancing the Legacies of Diversity and Inclusion in an Anti-DEI Era,” which was inspired by U.S. Congressman John Lewis and his life’s work in fighting for social justice. With his legacy in mind, faculty, staff, students and community members were invited to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble” by discussing recent actions pushing back against DEI efforts and initiatives on college campuses.
The keynote address included remarks from Nikole Hannah-Jones, moderated by Nevada State University President Dr. DeRionne Pollard. Following the keynote, attendees broke off into smaller groups for breakout sessions to dive into deeper discussions surrounding the event’s themes.
“As we navigate a time where DEI efforts face challenges across the nation, it is crucial that individuals from all backgrounds come together to ensure our community and campuses remain a safe, inclusive spaces for all,” said Dr. DeRionne Pollard, president of Nevada State University. “The Southern Nevada Diversity Summit serves as a vital platform for us to reflect on the progress we’ve made, and more importantly, to chart a path forward that upholds the values of empathy, understanding, and respect. This summit is not just about discussing DEI efforts but about galvanizing action—ensuring that every student, faculty member, and community partner plays a role in fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed.”
The breakout sessions covered issues ranging from relationship building with Nevada’s tribal nations and Indigenous communities, listening to LGBTQ+ student voices, free speech and hate speech on campus to supporting NSHE undocumented students after DACA, and more.
The event’s in-person attendance was at capacity with 300 individuals registered and over 300 people tuned in online to watch the live stream of select panels.
The Southern Nevada Diversity Summit is an NSHE system-wide collaboration that organizes a free professional development event each year to discuss social justice and DEI in higher education. Faculty, staff, students and community sponsors are always welcome to attend. Nevada State last hosted the event in 2021.
To view the event’s full programming, please click here.
For more information on Nevada State’s campus and programs, please click here.
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About Nevada State University:
Nevada State University (Nevada State), a four-year, independently accredited public institution, is a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Nevada State places a special emphasis on the advancement of a diverse and largely under-served student population. Located on a developing 500-acre campus in the foothills of Henderson, Nevada, the institution was established in 2002 and has recently adopted ‘University’ in its name. Nevada State emphasizes high-quality instruction, exemplary service, engaging learning experiences, and innovation in support of Nevada’s growing workforce needs. Nevada State offers more than 65 majors and minors and continues to expand its physical campus and reach to students across the state. Committed to fostering a personal learning environment, students are taught by faculty who serve as mentors and guides in classrooms with an average class size under 25 students. Nevada State serves more than 7,200 students and has over 8,500 alumni, each representing a broad array of cultural and economic backgrounds. For more information, visit https://nevadastate.edu.
