Shepard Symposium on Social Justice

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Shepard Symposium on Social Justice

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Official Facebook account for Shepard Symposium on Social Justice. Fall 2025 Dates: TBD From those early beginnings, the symposium has grown in several ways.

Begun by two faculty in the College of Education, Omawale Akintunde and Margaret Cooney, the symposium, then called “The Symposium for the Eradication of Social Inequality,” aimed at involving University of Wyoming and local students in dialogue on issues related to social justice, particularly within the context of public education. It has broadened its focus so that participants from throughout the community, state, and region have presented on social justice issues within a variety of arenas, including but also beyond the realm of public education. A steering committee with cross-college representation assures that multiple academic disciplines have connections to the symposium. The symposium has expanded its topics to include inequalities based on race/ethnicity, gender sexual orientation, disability, and class. Honoring the work of the Shepard family and the memory of their son, Matthew Shepard, a UW student and social activist, the symposium changed its name in 2002 and works as a living reminder of the need for information and dialogue about social justice concerns in American and beyond. In the spring of that same year, the Shepard Symposium learned that it would be the recipient of funding from an anonymous endowment given to the University to pursue social justice activities throughout the campus. Past Symposium speakers have included Anita Hill, Johnny Cochran, Morris Dees, Ronald Takaki, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, the Brown Sisters, Sherman Alexie, John Corvino, Zach Wahls, and Tim Wise. These speakers have been heralded for their ability to draw many individuals representative of a diverse cross section of our community and region. The Symposium on Social Justice strives to reach a broad audience of community members (on and off campus), as well as regional and national groups of participants.

10/12/2026

Rooted in History, Rising in Action 🌱 Join us November 4 & 5 for the 2026 Shepard Symposium on Social Justice at the University of Wyoming! This year, we’re exploring how historical injustices shape the social and environmental challenges we face today and how we can take meaningful action to create a more just future.

Here are a few key events to look forward to:

🏳️‍🌈 Campus & Community Resource Tabling | Nov. 4, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Stop by the Wyoming Union Breezeway to connect with campus and community resources supporting the LGBTQ+ community and more.

🎬 “Laramie Inside Out” Documentary & Panel | Nov. 4, 5–7 p.m.
Watch the documentary exploring Laramie’s response to Matthew Shepard’s 1998 murder, followed by a panel discussion featuring people from the film, including director Beverly Seckinger. Join us in the Wyoming Union Family Room for this opportunity to reflect on our community’s history.

🌿 Rooted in History & Rising in Action | Nov. 5, 9:35–10:40 a.m.
Explore the historical context surrounding Matthew Shepard’s murder and the Laramie community with Brigida R. Blasi of the American Heritage Center, followed by a discussion with UW faculty member Dr. Camellia Moses Okpodu about plants, women and the environment.

🎓 Student Research Presentations | Nov. 5, 10:45–11:15 a.m.
Connect with UW students and learn about the social justice research they’re pursuing.

🎤 Luncheon & Keynote with Jason R. Thompson | Nov. 5, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Hear from UW alumnus and former ASUW president Jason R. Thompson, an executive leader, author of Diversity and Inclusion Matters and longtime social justice advocate. He’ll share insights on challenging systemic barriers and turning good intentions into meaningful change.

From examining our shared history to exploring solutions for a more equitable future, the Shepard Symposium invites us all to learn, connect and rise in action.

Explore the full schedule at https://shepardsymposium.weebly.com/2026-symposium.html

07/31/2026

Earlier this week some members of the Shepard Symposium on Social Justice Planning committee met with Neil Johnson, one of our biggest supporters and some of his family and friends.

We so appreciate the support of Neil and he along with other donors are helping to ensure the Shepard Symposium on Social Justice to continue long into the future! 🌈💕

06/15/2026

05/20/2026

Congratulations to the Shepard Symposium on Social Justice 2026 Award Recipients! ✨💛🏆💚✨

University of Wyoming Student Award - Priya Chaudhari
University of Wyoming Faculty Member Award - Dr. Melissa Hunter
University of Wyoming Staff Member Award - Ella D. Gray
Outstanding Service Award to Shepard Symposium on Social Justice - Carol Kobulnicky

Congratulations to all the award recipients, nominees and thank you to all the nominators who highlighted such amazing individuals involved in the community and with Shepard Symposium on Social Justice this past year. 💛💚💛💚 Special shout out to Allen from the Canterbury House for tonight’s venue and Bob and Mary Vines for the delicious food they made for the event.

04/26/2026

Today we met in the Union with 150 people who showed up for the University of Wyoming Out of the Darkness Campus Walk with the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - Wyoming Chapter. We were honored to show up and show our support for su***de prevention. 💙

According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ Youth are 4 times more likely to attempt su***de. This is an important topic for our community.

04/24/2026

We were honored to be able to participate in Denim Day yesterday at the University of Wyoming! We believe survivors and support violence prevention in Laramie and beyond. 👖

04/23/2026

Thank you to Shepard Symposium on Social Justice for being a Hope Level Sponsor at the 2026 UWYO Out of the Darkness Campus Walk 💙

Your support helps turn hope into action and brings our community one step closer to saving lives and spreading awareness. We’re so grateful to have you standing with us!

04/21/2026

Nominations are now open for the Shepard Symposium on Social Justice Awards! 🎉 Submit someone you think demonstrates dedication to a social justice project or cause.

We are accepting nominations for a student, faculty, staff and outstanding service award.

Visit this page and fill out the form and nominate someone! Nominations due by Friday, April 24.
https://forms.gle/1wLcWbt3cNH3N1MGA

Address

Laramie, WY

Website

http://www.shepardsymposium.org/

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