We are a group of graduate students in mathematics with a passion for improving the graduate experience in mathematics for all students. The purpose of this event is to empower both faculty and graduate students to converse about issues of discrimination and systemic inequity. More specifically we would like to inform faculty members of the problems and potential solutions with respect to the following topics: racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, ableism and mental health, allyship and mentoring, measuring graduate success, and avoiding objectivity theater. Our target audience are faculty members who believe these are important issues but perhaps want more direction on how to take action. This event will uplift graduate student voices on these topics because a key aspect of addressing problems is listening to the people affected by them.
To execute our mission, we plan to work with invited graduate students and postdoc speakers to give presentations on both how the issues at hand unfold and potential action items to improve graduate student experiences. Each speaker will be provided access to experts and resources on systems of oppression to supplement their own lived experience and help them craft an effective and compelling talk. The speakers’ talks will be informed by their experience and may include illustrative anecdotes, but the focus will be less on exposing their own trauma and more on how faculty can take action to ameliorate the problems above. After the talks, participants will have time to ask questions and discuss the material presented. As a result we hope that audience members walk away with a better understanding of how to advocate on behalf of the minoritized graduate students in their department both by listening to their concerns and taking concrete action.
In addition to the general discussion after the session, we would offer parallel sessions to the sessions on racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, as well as ableism and mental health during which those affected by the given system of oppression can engage in moderated discussion. The purpose of such a forum would be to provide a safe space for free and productive conversations and a chance to bond with other mathematicians affected by the given system of oppression. Moderators of these parallel sessions will be members of the affected group and with experience cultivating and motivating constructive conversations.