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The Centre for Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Human Rights and Equity Office, is hosting Dr. Aftab Erfan on March 10 for a talk titled “Making Sense of Conflicts on Our Campuses in Polarizing Times.”

The event with Dr. Erfan, a scholar-practitioner, Executive Director of Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue, and Associate Member in the School of Public Policy, will be from 3-5 p.m. Those who plan to attend should . Once registered, participants will receive details about the event location. Introductory remarks will be made by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane.

“At a time when parts of society feel increasingly divided and dialogue across differences can be difficult, universities have an important role to play in creating spaces where people can engage thoughtfully with perspectives other than their own,” says Principal Deane. “Through the Queen’s Strategy, and as we advance our Bicentennial Vision, we are committed to preparing students to be thoughtful stewards of the future. Dr. Erfan’s work speaks directly to that responsibility by helping us to better understand how respectful dialogues across differences can be fostered.”

Universities throughout the world have committed to offering a space where students are prepared for a society in which pluralism, the recognition of varying views, is the norm. However, in fostering critical thought, there are moments when tensions arise and need to be worked through.

During the talk, Dr. Erfan will explore:

• How do we understand conflict and the dynamics of its escalation at this moment in time?
• What does it mean to be inclusive and trauma-informed in our approach to working together without shying away from difficult or polarizing subjects?
• What are the qualities we need to foster in our collective social body to hold the complexities of this moment in time?

"Our work in the Human Rights and Equity Office has always been to help foster a culture at Queen’s that values differences,” says Lavonne Hood, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion). “By providing tools for student and employees, we are actively seeking a more informed, respectful, and inclusive campus community.”  

Dr. Aftab Erfan was previously Director of Dialogue and Conflict Engagement at the University of British Columbia, and the inaugural Chief Equity Officer at the City of Vancouver. Educated as an urban planner, Dr. Erfan specializes in the study of deep-rooted conflicts and methods of deliberative democracy. She is a master facilitator who has worked on four continents.

More information about the talk and a link to register can be found by visiting the Centre for Teaching and Learning.