31st Annual Conference

November 18th and November 19th, 2010
Chula Vista Resort - Wisconsin Dells, WI

Differentiating for Diversity: Creating Effective and Inclusive Schools for All Students

Conference Attractions

Presenters

Sen. Spencer Coggs           Rep. Jim Soletski,
D-Milwaukee                  D-Green Bay

Co-sponsors and authors of the SB 25 law
The Wisconsin Race Based Nicknames, Mascots, and Logos law.

On May 5, 2010, Governor Jim Doyle signed into law SB 25, the Race Based nicknames, mascots, and logos law.  The signing of this law was the culmination of a 16-year collaborative process.  Rep. Jim Soletski, and Sen. Coggs introduced this critical piece of legislation in 2009.

Bill co-sponsor Democrat Sen. Spencer Coggs (D-Milwaukee) said, “If we use that logic, back in 1954, when Rosa Parks got on a bus and she decided it was not right for black people to sit at the back. … Would it have been okay for another black person to say, ‘Hey I like sitting in the back of the bus. It’s okay with me – let’s cancel out what Rosa Parks is talking about?”    

Rep. Jim Soletski (D-Green Bay) stated that, “It’s 2009. It’s time we put this behind us. It’s the Native American’s heritage, first and foremost. If they’re not feeling honored, then it’s time to get rid of it.”  Wisconsin is the first state in the United States to pass such an important legislation.

http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/greatlakes/94599204.html
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=195550
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/home/content/40381427.html


Hmonglish Musical

                                                                      

This artistic presentation focuses on generational gaps, culture, gangs, sexuality and identity issues. The musical gives the audience the opportunity to look into the lives, and dynamics of Hmong youths and families. It integrates hip hop dance, traditional Hmong and American Western music revamped in Hmonglish to lead the audience through a universal journey of struggle, change and hope. 
This musical is presented by the Youth Leadership Group, a program at the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) in Minneapolis.  The performers are a group of over 10 young adults gaining the skills, knowledge and experience needed to become the future generation of leaders.  They are using their perspectives to connect and analyze the various issues impacting their communities. 

http://ell.spps.org/april_19_2010.html
http://blogs.myspace.com/aboutchat