Madison Reporter

Steve L. Robbins, an author and expert in cognitive neuroscience, delivered the keynote address at UW–Madison's 2024 Diversity Forum held on November 13-14. His talk, titled "Your Brain is Good at Inclusion... Except When It's Not," emphasized the need for intentional efforts to combat biases that naturally occur in the human brain. Robbins explained that our brains have a positive bias towards insiders and a negative bias towards outsiders, which can hinder inclusion.

Robbins encouraged attendees to practice daily actions that enhance neural pathways for greater connectivity and understanding. His approach combined humor with scientific insights into how behavior influences inclusion and exclusion. The forum attracted over 650 in-person attendees and more than 12,000 online viewers.

Dr. LaVar J. Charleston, vice chancellor for inclusive excellence and director of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA), opened the event by stressing the importance of embracing differences to foster community progress. He stated, “In this current climate, where divisions seem more pronounced than ever, we must engage across differences — whether political, cultural, geographical, religious or racial — to facilitate important innovations.”

Damon A. Williams received the inaugural Damon A. Williams Trailblazing Change Agent Award for his leadership in promoting community access and belonging since establishing DDEEA in 2009.

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin reiterated UW–Madison's commitment to diversity and innovation: “We can, and will, and absolutely must continue to be a place of opportunity and discovery rooted in our diversity.”

Fanshen Cox served as the keynote speaker on Day Two of the forum. She discussed using storytelling as a tool for systemic change and fostering belonging through personal narratives.

The forum included plenary sessions and breakout discussions on topics like mental health needs of underrepresented students and creating inclusive experiences through design.

Next year's Diversity Forum is scheduled for November 18-19, 2025. The DDEEA plans to announce a call for proposals in spring 2025 followed by registration in fall 2025.