Now in its sixth year, Ram Inclusion Week is an annual event series that recognizes and strengthens one of Suffolk University’s defining assets—our diversity. From workshops and panel discussions to guest speakers and student performances, there’s a wide range of ways for students, faculty, and staff to celebrate Suffolk’s vibrant communities. The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, together with the Office of Diversity, Access & Inclusion and the Division of Student Success, plan and coordinate these events along with several other University offices and cultural affinity student and employee groups.
‘Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Advancing Racial Equity Together’
2025 Schedule of Events
This year’s Ram Inclusion Week will take place January 27 - 31. Our theme is “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Advancing Racial Equity Together.”
Monday, January 27
“From Exclusion to Inclusion: Advancing Equity in Higher Education,” Keynote Address by Dr. Raul Fernandez
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Keches Room, Sargent Hall
A senior lecturer in educational leadership and policy studies at Boston University, Fernandez will trace the historical roots of racial inequity in higher education, exploring the legacy of exclusion that has shaped universities for generations. He will also examine key moments of progress, as well as the ongoing challenges that persist today. Open to faculty and staff, the event will also include lunch and a book raffle of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein. Register for “From Exclusion to Inclusion.”
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Access & Inclusion; the Center for Teaching & Scholarly Excellence; and the Racial Equity & Justice Initiative (REJI) Professional Development Committee.
“Advancing Racial Equity in Boston: A Conversation with Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén”
12:30 – 1:45 p.m., The Amenities Center, 1st Floor, 73 Tremont
Join Professors Rachael Cobb and Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber, hosts of the popular podcast Election Connection, for a special live recording session. Their guest will be Boston City Councilor and Suffolk alumnus Enrique Pepén, BS ’19, who serves as the vice chair of the Committee on Civil Rights, Racial Equity, and Immigrant Advancement. He will share insights into his journey from Suffolk University undergraduate to his role on the Boston City Council, including his efforts to champion racial equity within the community. After the recording, there will be an opportunity for the audience to engage in a Q&A session. The event is open to all, although seating is limited. No registration is required.
Tuesday, January 28
20th Annual MLK “Creating the Dream” Award Ceremony, with Keynote by WCVB News Center 5 Reporter Danae Bucci
Noon to 2 p.m., Smith Common, Sargent Hall
These awards honor members of the Suffolk community who have been instrumental in positively impacting BIPOC communities on campus. This year’s recipients are the Center for First Generation & Educational Equity; Professor Elizabeth Stillman; Clinton Oreofe, Class of 2025; and third-year law student Symone Mond. The event is open to students, faculty, and staff, and will also include lunch. Register for “Creating the Dream.”
Wednesday, January 29
“Diversity in the Curriculum” Panel Discussion
12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Poetry Center, 3rd floor, 73 Tremont
Join us for an engaging panel discussion, led by Professor Greg Beaver, on inclusive teaching practices. Suffolk faculty will share strategies for fostering belonging in the classroom, designing inclusive syllabi, diversifying course materials, and other practical approaches to creating a supportive learning environment for all students. Provost Rick Oches will offer opening remarks and introduce the faculty panelists. This hybrid event is open to students, faculty, and staff. Register for “Diversity in the Curriculum.”
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Access & Inclusion; Racial Equity & Justice Initiative (REJI) Curriculum Committee; Office of the Provost.
Thursday, January 30
Suffolk Spirit Day—Wear Your Suffolk Gear to Work and Class!
Ram Inclusion Week honors Suffolk’s tremendous diversity—and our shared identity as Rams. Celebrate our community by wearing your favorite Suffolk gear and receive a 20% discount at the Suffolk University Bookstore and 10% off at Chartwells dining services!
“Allyship at Work” Zoom Workshop
10 a.m. to noon
While many in the workforce see themselves as allies, research shows relatively few are taking basic allyship actions. “Allyship at Work” is a two-part program series that empowers individuals to take meaningful action and build an inclusive workplace culture and environment. The program helps individuals understand their privilege and positional power and learn specific actions they can take to show up as an ally. The second workshop will be offered on February 13, and participants completing the series will receive a Canvas Digital Badge. Register for “Allyship at Work.”
Sponsored by the Center for Career Equity, Development & Success.
“We Belong: Finding Community Where You Work and Go to School” Panel Discussion
12:30 - 1:45 p.m., Poetry Center, 3rd floor, 73 Tremont
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Student Clubs are critical to fostering a sense of belonging and creating community on college campuses through shared identity, interests, and mutual support. Come hear from a panel of your colleagues and classmates, including ERG members from Suffolk Sisters of Color, Asian Faculty & Staff, and Black Faculty & Staff as well as representatives from the Black Student Union, the Caribbean Student Network, the Latine Student Alliance, and the Asian American Association. Erik Gullard will moderate the session. No registration required.
Sponsored by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion.
Friday, January 31
“From ‘Vs.’ to ‘&’: A Living Legacy, The Plessy & Ferguson Initiative” Webinar
11 a.m. to noon
One letter can change the world. Keith Plessy and Phoebe Ferguson are the direct descendants of Homer Plessy and Judge John Ferguson, the principals in the 1896 Plessy vs. Ferguson Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation. In 2009, they co-founded The Plessy & Ferguson Initiative to focus on truth, memorialization, and transformative justice. They will talk with us about the historic case, their collaborative initiatives, and how we can also change a “vs.” to an “&” to bridge the gaps of racial inequity together. The event is open to students, faculty, and staff. No registration required. Zoom link for “From ‘Vs.’ to ‘&.”
Sponsored by the Division of Student Success.