Uncovering the Hidden Bias in and Around Us

With Jennifer L. Eberhardt

On Nov. 10, 2021, Stanford University professor of psychology and MacArthur Fellow Jennifer L. Eberhardt joined CEDWC for an event titled Uncovering Hidden Bias in and Around Us. Eberhardt modeled her presentation around her book Bias, where she uses both research and personal experiences to shed light on how unconscious bias impacts our behavior, decisions and actions in all walks of life.

Eberhardt’s ability to be vulnerable and transparent about her own encounters with bias left a lasting impression on attendees.

Rooney Rule Revisited: Race and Diversity in Sports and Corporate America

With Jim Rooney and N. Jeremi Duru

On Sept. 21, 2022, attendees from all over Temple’s campus and community came together for CEDWC’s Rooney Rule Revisited event, featuring Pittsburgh Steelers owner Jim Rooney and American University law professor N. Jeremi Duru. The event received co-sponsorship from Temple University’s Fox School of Business, Beasley School of Law, Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple Athletics and School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management (STHM).

The discussion between Rooney and Duru highlighted the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview minorities for head coach and senior football operation jobs, has underlying goals that show up in both sports and Corporate America. Together, the presenters and attendees considered the history behind the Rooney Rule and its impact on current efforts to achieve racial equity in the workplace.

Attacks on DEI and the Path Forward

With EEOC Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels

On Feb. 7, 2024, CEDWC hosted EEOC Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels for Attacks on DEI and the Path Forward. The highly anticipated event received co-sponsorship from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, Temple University’s Center for Anti-Racism, Fox School of Business’ Management department, Fox School of Business’ Risk, Actuarial Science and Legal Studies department and Temple University’s Institutional Diversity, Equity & Leadership office.

In a discussion with CEDWC's founding director, Leora Eisenstadt, Vice Chair Samuels explored legal constraints on DEI initiatives and strategies for continuing meaningful work. Samuels emphasized:

• The legal and business arguments for maintaining DEI initiatives
• Balancing free expression with maintaining a respectful workplace
• Focusing on the business case for diversity