TORONTO, January 29, 2013 – York University’s Centre for Human Rights has organized its fourth annual Inclusion Day Conference, themed Creating for Inclusion, Jan. 31. The daylong event will feature several speakers, forums and workshops to promote diversity and inclusion in the campus community.

Highlights of the day include a keynote speech by poet, novelist and York U Professor Priscila Uppal (11:30am-12:30pm); a talk followed by a tour of artist Deanna Bowen’s exhibit at the Art Gallery of York University — Invisible Empires,  whichpresents a view on the Ku Klux Klan both during the American Civil Rights Movement era and its century-long history in Canada (5:00pm-5:45pm); and a workshop, the sorplusi method (12:45pm-2:00pm), by dub poet, playwright and Dora Award-winning actor  d’bi young anitafrika, who will also perform dub poetry at the Price Family Cinema to conclude the day’s events (7:00pm).

 WHAT:           Fourth annual Inclusion Day Conference: Creating for Inclusion, featuring poet, novelist and York U Professor Priscila Uppal, Dora Award-winning actor d’bi young anitafrika, and noted interdisciplinary artist Deanna Bowen (speakers are available for interviews before and after their sessions. Noël Badiou, Director of the Centre for Human Rights at York U is also available to speak on the purpose of the conference and York U’s commitment to diversity and inclusion).

 WHERE:         York University, Keele Campus, 280N York Lanes (building #24 on map)

 WHEN:           Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, 11:00am-8:00pm

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fullyengaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges.York U’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Media Contact: Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca