The Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Division of Student Affairs are hosting a new series of Conversations for Change, designed to foster meaningful dialogue on critical social issues.

The topic of the first event — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 29, William Pitt Union Lower Lounge — is antisemitism. Rachel Kranson, associate professor and director of Jewish Studies, will open the discussion. Ron Idoko, associate director of the Center on Race and Social Problems and founding director of the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute, will facilitate.

This series will offer a safe space for participants to explore diverse perspectives, share experiences, and collaborate on solutions that promote equity, inclusion and positive change.

Each session will focus on a key topic and feature guest speakers, interactive discussions, and opportunities for open dialogue. The conversations are open to anyone in the Pitt community. Lunch will be provided. Register here.

Eradicate Hate Summit

The annual Eradicate Hate Global Summit, which grew out of the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history on Oct. 27, 2018, at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, will be back in Pittsburgh Oct. 21 to 23.

The event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center began in 2021, with former Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg as one of the organizers.

The 2024 Summit focuses on the continued development and distribution of effective solutions to help prevent hate-fueled, violent acts. Those solutions include professional toolkits, resource directories, and public campaigns, developed by the working groups.

Keynote speakers include:

• Major Elliot Garrett: Chief Washington correspondent, CBS News

• Gabby Giffords: Former U.S. Congresswoman from Arizona who was shot in the head 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She is now a leading national voice for gun control.

• Tara Levine: President of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.

• Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall: White House Homeland Security adviser.

Anyone interested can register to attend in person for $275 or for the livestream at no cost. Find more information here.