Panels will discuss issues of interreligious dialogue and racial discrimination in separate events March 19 and 21 as part of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) Week.

“Building Bridges - Reflections on Interreligious Dialogue” is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Freed Orman Centre, Assumption Hall. Representatives of several faith traditions will explore the importance of cultivating respect, understanding, and peace among various religions.

Assumption University president John Cappucci will moderate panellists Jennifer Boyes-Garbin, principal of Canterbury College; Devorah Fick, rabbi with Congregation Beth El; Sikh activist Triman Singh Kandola; Rakesh Naidu representing Hinduism; and Imam Zeeshan Ahmed.

Find details and register to attend.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Friday, March 21, Marium Tolson-Murtty, director of human rights, conflict resolution, and mediation, will moderate a discussion highlighting the scourge of racism and discrimination, along with efforts to address racism and racial discrimination in the context of academia and the university.

Panellists include:

• Camisha Sibblis, director of the Black Scholars Institute
• Naved Bakali, Faculty of Education
• Shi Jing Xu, associate dean for teacher education, Faculty of Education
• Juanita Stephen, interdisciplinary and critical studies
• Ira Cohen, Continuing Education
• Riham Al-Saadi, School of Social Work
• Tranum Kaur, learning specialist, chemistry and biochemistry

The event will run 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the BSI Lounge on the lower level of the CAW Student Centre. Find details and register to attend.

Find a full schedule of events from March 17 to 21 on the EDID Week website.