Free Speech and Why It Matters
April 5, 2023
Presentation at MCC focuses on bridging diversity, equity and belonging with a basic human right on college campuses.
Advancing ideas and learning through debate – both oral and written – are critical parts of what make colleges and universities relevant as issues around diversity, equity and belonging continue to stimulate reflection and dialogue. Creating respectful dialogue requires excellent leadership and opportunities for people of all backgrounds to speak and be heard.
Leah Reynolds, Ed.D.
In an effort to foster social equality and a more inclusive and collaborative culture on college campuses and in the community in the wake of recent racially charged incidents across the nation, Monroe Community College will hold a virtual presentation ─ “Free Speech and Why It Matters” ─ from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 20. Discussion of a case study will follow keynote remarks.
Free and open to the public, the presentation will challenge participants to create the type of interactions that promote a sense of well-being, respect and inclusion for themselves and those around them.
Registration for the event is required and is open through Friday, April 14. To register or for more information, visit MCC’s website. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants.
Keynote remarks will be delivered by Leah Reynolds, Ed.D., a senior consultant and chief diversity officer at TNG who has received national recognition for her leadership, coordination, and strategic direction. With more than 11 years of experience working in various divisions for several colleges and universities, she has developed expertise in Title IX; diversity, equity, and inclusion; athletic compliance; and affirmative action.
Reynolds frequently serves as a third-party neutral hearing advisor, investigator, and decision-maker for TNG clients for sexual misconduct, discrimination, and Title IX grievance proceedings and investigations. She also travels frequently to train student-athletes on Title IX consent and bystander intervention.
Prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts is one of MCC’s top five strategic directions for the next five years and beyond.