Campus Connection

Author of “Health at Every Size” gives keynote presentation during second annual event, April 3-7

A week at UW-La Crosse dedicated to raising awareness of different kinds of social justice issues continues this year with a keynote presentation on how size stigma can undermine health and wellbeing. UWL’s second annual Social Justice Week, April 3-7, includes a full schedule of daily brown bag lunches, research sessions, roundtables, panel presentations and featured speakers that highlight the collaboration and dedication to social justice topics at UWL. Many events feature UWL student, faculty and staff research and expertise. Other presentations will tap filmmakers, educators and activists from across the country. This year’s theme is “More than one Struggle: Intersections and Activism” to call attention to the many types of social inequalities that persist in our society; the ways different systems of privilege and oppression intersect to create and maintain these social inequalities; and the importance of addressing injustice, says Laurie Cooper Stoll, UWL associate professor of sociology and director of UWL’s Institute for Social Justice. The week not only raises awareness, but also aims to provide strategies to address these issues. This year’s event has attracted more planned events than last. For the first time, the week includes a community connections reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, in 1300 Centennial Hall. The reception allows people on campus and in the community to connect with local businesses and non-profits in the community that are engaged in social justice related work. Linda Bacon, an internationally-recognized authority on health, weight and nutrition, will give the keynote presentation on how size stigma is a social justice concern that undermines health and wellbeing at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 6, in Graff Main Hall. Bacon, author of “Health at Every Size” and “Body Respect,” says weight bias can result in being less likely to be hired, earn promotions and receive adequate medical treatment. It can also result in being paid less, bullied, socially excluded, and targeted in derogatory comments, she adds. “…These are the consequences of living in a culture that wages war against its people because of their size,” she says. “Particularly concerning is that this war, the ‘war on obesity,’ is sanctioned in the name of health, though the war causes more health damage than it could ever cure.” Other major guest speakers include:

• Activist Charlene Carruthers will present “Killing the Black Imagination: Where Do We Go from Here?” from 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, in 1400 Centennial Hall. Carruthers is director to the Black Youth Project 100, an activist member-based organization of Black 18-35 year olds, dedicated to creating justice and freedom for all black people.

• Filmmaker, Author and Educator Lee Mun Wah will lead a community diversity dialogue following the screening of his film, “If These Halls Could Talk.” The screening and discussion run from 7-9:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, in the Brian and Lori Hesprich Auditorium, Graff Main Hall.

• Comedian Drew Lynch, who thought his severe stutter crushed his hopes of ever performing, became the first runner-up on season 10 of America’s Got Talent. The show is a UWL Campus Activities Board event in coordination with Social Justice Week. Lynch will perform from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, in the Bluffs Room, UWL’s Student Union.

All events are free and open to the public. View the calendar at https://www.uwlax.edu/social-justice/