Perspectives on democracy headlined this year鈥檚 chancellor summit

Published: March 15, 2023

CU Boulder community members gathered on March 14 at History Colorado in Denver for the Chancellor鈥檚 Annual Summit. The large crowd heard from faculty experts on this year鈥檚 theme: democracy and social mobility in a pluralistic society.听

The summit, including a reception, exhibit hall and questions from the audience, was hosted by Chancellor Philip DiStefano, who gave opening remarks.听DiStefano described the importance of coming together in the face of a nation and world that feels increasingly fractured.听

鈥淭he distrust and the division that are so pervasive are also a reminder that yes, our democracy matters, and it鈥檚 worth preserving its tenets,鈥� he said. DiStefano also talked about hope.

In short talks, guest speakers Violeta Chapin, Taylor Jaworski, Reiland Rabaka and John-Michael Rivera discussed topics ranging from undocumented people living in the United States to Martin Luther King Jr. 's concept of the beloved community. The conversations also touched on economic constraints versus prosperity and the emergence of Mexican America.听

Questions from audience members covered intersectionality; the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program; the environment and economic growth; and ChatGPT.听

Photos by Casey Cass/University of Colorado.

Chancellor Philip DiStefano greets professors Violeta Chapin (left) and Reiland Rabaka (right).

Chancellor Philip DiStefano greets summit speakers Professor听Violeta Chapin (left) and Professor Reiland Rabaka (right).

Professor John Michael-Rivera听visits with Graduate School Dean Scott Adler.

Professor John Michael-Rivera, who spoke at the event,听visits with Graduate School Dean Scott Adler.

Taylor Jaworski, Associate professor of economic history, addresses the audience.

Reiland Rabaka, Professor of African, African American and Caribbean Studies and founding director of the Center for African and African American Studies, addresses the audience.