Idaho State University to Host Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion Conference Nov. 1

Achieving genuine equity and fostering a sense of belonging within rural P-12 educational settings will be among the various topics discussed at this year’s annual Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion (BEI) Conference happening on November 1, 2024 from 2 - 7 PM in the Idaho Central Credit Union Bengal Alumni Building. Hosted by Idaho State University’s College of Education with support from the ISU Diversity Resource Center, the conference is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue among educators regarding evidence-based strategies to advance equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, with a specific emphasis on rural contexts. 

The theme of this year’s BEI Conference theme is “Empowering Rural Education: Advancing Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Diverse Learning Contexts,” and will include a research digital poster session and social hour starting at 2 PM along with two panel discussion and a keynote presentation. The first panel will begin at 3:30 PM and will address, “Building Inclusive Communities: Strategies for Fostering a Strong Sense of Belonging in Educational and Professional Environments,” while the second panel will begin at 4:45 PM and focus on, “Supporting Inclusive Communities: Understanding and Navigating Legal Issues Related to Belonging in Educational Environments.” 

Dr. Selena Grace will provide the keynote presentation titled “When no one looks like me - Why access, belonging, and inclusion matter for the success of all students” starting at 6 PM. Grace is the Executive Vice President for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. She provides support to a portfolio of institutions with a focus on supporting the Tribal Colleges and federally recognized Minority Serving Institutions. Previously she served as Vice Provost for Academic Strategy & Institutional Effectiveness at Idaho State University. Dr. Grace brings significant experience leading transformational change in education policy and practices, as well as bringing diverse constituents together. She was a member of the inaugural cohort of the WICHE Western Academic Leadership Academy, and her previous experience includes Chief Academic Officer at the Idaho State Board of Education. Her research focused on representation of American Indian teachers in public K-12 education and how that impacted access and performance of American Indian students.

Over 100 students, staff members, faculty members, and educators have attended past conferences with the goal of learning new methods for fostering belonging, inclusiveness, and equitable classrooms and spaces. As these critical issues continue to impact education in and outside of Idaho, it has become increasingly important for people to learn more from one another and reaffirmation of their dedication to being proactive agents of change within our community.

“The College of Education is steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a robust sense of belonging by establishing an inclusive and secure educational environment for all members of our community. Our faculty and staff are devoted to the preparation of future educators and leaders who will advocate for equity and justice within their classrooms, schools, and the broader society,” said Interim College of Education Dean, Dr. Esther Ntuli. “The BEI conference presents a significant opportunity to engage in an in-depth exploration of the pivotal issues surrounding belonging, equity, and inclusion. It serves as a platform for mutual learning and a reaffirmation of our dedication to being proactive agents of change within our community.”

P-12 educators and ISU students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the Belonging Equity, and Inclusion in Education Conference free of charge. The panel discussion and keynote presentation will be live streamed to the College of Education’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person. To learn more and RSVP, please visit isu.edu/bei.