The Dialogue Flowed at RIT’s Second Annual Together RIT | November 2023
“In engineering, I am one of only a few in the room. I wish it wasn’t an issue.”
“Be proactive on queerness and identity.”
“I don’t see myself represented very often.”
“There are some blatant beliefs that I don’t belong in STEM. I say an idea and it’s ignored. A dude brings it up 20 minutes later and I’m like “what the heck?’”
“Be a better ally and be comfortable messing up.”
Those are just some of the comments shared during the opening panel discussion at this year’s Together RIT: Day of Dialogue on Gender and Sexuality in Ingle Auditorium. Those speaking included students, staff and faculty discussing their own personal experiences on campus.
This is the second year for Together RIT with a variety of sessions from “The Inclusion of Transwomen in Sports”, and “Motherhood, Management & Advocacy”, to “50 Years of HipHop and Its Impact on Men” and” Gender and Faith”, all led by RIT faculty, staff, students or alums who had to submit proposals for consideration.
Attendees could also stroll through Fireside Lounge where information tables were set up, including one with Stacy DeRooy, director of Title IX and Clery Compliance. Her office works to identify and prevent gender-based harassment and discrimination on campus. She said Together RIT allows for people to experience something different than a typical Friday and added, “It is critically important to have safe spaces to hear perspectives different from our own.”
RIT student Mya Soto, a third-year biochemistry major, gave the event a thumbs up. She said, “It makes me feel comfortable, excited for the direction we’re going.” Soto added a lot of college students arrive on campus, still finding themselves while also having to deal with the inequities of gender, race and sexuality.
The day ended with an Interactive Closing Celebration in the newly opened SHED. It provided people with time to talk about and process the events of the day. Comments included: “If you don’t see yourself represented, find clubs and organizations that help you feel you belong” and “Continue to educate yourself. There will be missteps.”
Close to 460 people registered this year. Taj Smith, executive director for Culture and Diversity Education, in the Division of Diversity and Inclusion led the planning committee. He says, “I think the growing interest in the event is what stands out most to me. It provides a space for people to learn and gather in community.”
Smith credits the committee members, saying it wouldn’t have been successful without them.
“Prior to the event, we had those who submitted proposals, the proposal selection committee, and the DDI marketing and communication team lend their expertise. There were 30-plus volunteers and professional staff who helped leading up to and during the day of the event, including Facilities Management Services and RIT Dining. And of course, we have to acknowledge the generous funding from the President's Office that allows us to cover expenses.”
He gives special thanks to these volunteers and contributors: Amy Adrion (faculty), Daniel Amburgey (student), Mari Jaye Blanchard (faculty), Nicole Boulais (staff), Deanna Carlin (staff), Kathryn Cilano (staff), Alex Collins (staff), Barbara Contreras Mora (staff), Jaden Graham (student), Hunter Heineman (student), Lyndsey Hicks (staff), Chris Hinesley (staff), Georgeanne Hogan (staff), Jazzmyn Ivery-Robinson (staff), Kelly Kamish (staff), Radhika Kolhekar (student), Piyush Kulkarni (staff), Darci Lane (staff), Carolyn Lauber (staff), Rowan Laidlaw (student), Martha Loucke (staff), Jessica Lin (student), Shipra Lnu (student), Shawna Lusk (staff), Gayle Macias (staff), Alex Matthews-Elston (student), Kali Micetich (student), Ashley Meyer (staff), Eugene Mont (staff), Erin Murphy (staff), Sinclaire Ogof (staff), Kathrine Ehrlich-Scheffer (staff), David Stevens (staff), Devon Watters (staff), Ricki Wensel (staff), Sandy Whitmore (staff) and Kat Womack (staff).
Even though this year’s Together RIT is officially over, the ideas are already formulating for the next one.
“I have not determined next year's theme. I want to get feedback from attendees in the coming weeks. That said, the two options at the forefront of my mind are first, neurodiversity and disability or second, socio-economic class and rank.”
However, a date has been set. It will be held Friday, October 25, 2024, so mark your calendars!