Fostering Conversations about the Middle East: Understanding Conflict and Peace

In this faculty and staff session, join us for an exploration into the multifaceted landscape of the Middle East conflict. Professor Kristen Williams, political scientist and foreign policy scholar from Clark University, and Arava Institute Academic Program Director, Cathie Granit will share some basic history, geography of the region (past and present), and discuss issues with monolithic stereotypes. We will explore misconceptions and shed light on the diverse fears experienced by the Israeli, Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, Bedouin, Druid, and Arabic communities.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level discussions, offering participants an understanding of what it is like to live in the Middle East. Gain insights into the realities faced by the region's residents and discover how the Arava Institute works for peace through its environmental initiatives.

Light refreshments will be served. Please register here to attend.

For more information, please reach out to Corey Denenberg Dehner, Associate Professor of Teaching at cdehner@wpi.edu or Bwann Gwann, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at BGwann@wpi.edu.

Special thanks to the Planning Committee:

Corey Denenberg Dehner, JD, PhD, Planning Committee Chair 
Associate Professor of Teaching 
The Global School

Rev. Kalvin Cummings 
Assistant Director, Religion and Spiritual Life 
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education

Roger Gottlieb, PhD 
William B. Smith Professor 
Division of Humanities & Arts

Bwann Gwann, MBA 
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 
Division of Talent and Inclusion

Tony Laing, PhD 
Assistant Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 
Division of Talent and Inclusion

Emily Perlow, PhD 
Dean of Students 
Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services

Mimi Sheller, PhD 
Dean of The Global School

Ingrid Shockey, PhD 
Teaching Assistant Professor 
The Global School

Lauren Turner, PhD 
Sr. Vice President, Talent and Inclusion/ Chief Diversity Officer 
Division of Talent and Inclusion

We also express our gratitude to the following WPI sponsors for their support of the "Bridging Perspectives: Understanding the Roots of Antisemitism and the Middle East Conflict" series:

• Collaborations for a Better World 
• College Democratics
• Division of Talent and Inclusion 
• Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management  
• Provost's Office 
• The Global School