Special Campus Event
"The glue that holds all of our relationships together is the mutual recognition of the desire to be seen, heard, listened to, and treated fairly: to be recognized, understood, and to feel safe in the world. When our identity is accepted and we feel included, we are granted a sense of freedom and independence and a life filled with hope and possibility."
Donna Hicks
Join the Office of Equity in a three-day series of discussions, presentations, and skill-building workshops focused on cross-cultural communication that will take place February 17, 18, & 19, with sessions held throughout each day.
The series features Ralph Johnson, a nationally recognized cross-cultural communication expert from Michigan State University. Johnson’s workshops emphasize pairing curiosity with dignity, establishing healthy boundaries, and recognizing that people can hold equally valid—but different—experiences.
Designed for students, faculty, and staff, the series centers on strengthening communication across difference. Participants are invited to attend as many workshops as their schedule allows. Attendees will explore practical strategies and tools for navigating conflict, discrimination, building trust, and creating environments where people feel safe, heard, and valued.
The program is supported by WWU experts in psychology, social psychology, and Civil Rights and Title IX, who bring interdisciplinary insight to the challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural communications and relationships.
This series invites participants to engage thoughtfully, challenge assumptions, and build practical skills that extend beyond the classroom or workplace into everyday life.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Ralph Johnson is a principle-driven leader and educator dedicated to advancing equity through impactful learning and effective communication. He serves as Assistant Director of Education and Development Programs in Michigan State University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and Impact, where he facilitates meaningful educational experiences for the MSU community. An engaging facilitator and sought-after presenter, Ralph has consulted with corporations and delivered keynote presentations to national and global audiences. His approach blends warmth, humor, and practical insight, grounded in reflective education. He holds a B.S. in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Psychology and a master’s degree in education focused on adult learning, with expertise in facilitation, curriculum development, cross-cultural communication, inclusive leadership, Title IX and anti-discrimination policies.
ABOUT THE WWU EXPERTS
ADRIAN VILLICANA
Dr. Villicana researches identity, social cognition, and social issues, examining how intersecting social identities—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—shape thoughts, behavior, and relationships.
DANIEL RECORDS-GALBRAITH
Daniel is an experienced university civil rights administrator and ADA Coordinator and has spent nearly a decade building accessible, unbiased civil rights processes grounded in care, compassion, and respect.
RACHEL BROOKS
Dr. Rachel Brooks is a Civil Rights Investigator in the CRTC Office.
WHEN WORDS DIVIDE
Tuesday, February 17th
SESSION ONE Seeds of Change: Growing Connection Across Difference
Join Ralph Johnson in a transformative learning experience that explores human dignity as a practical alternative to conflict. Participants build skills for navigating difference with curiosity, clarity, and purpose.
VU MPR, Tuesday February 17
12:00pm - 1:30pm
LUNCH starts at 11:30
Register for in-person here.
SESSION TWO Inclusive Communication
Learn how to cultivate environments where productive dialogue, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships can take root and grow. With visiting lecturer Ralph Johnson.
Wilson Library Reading Room
Tuesday, February 17
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Register for in-person here.
SESSION THREE Inclusive and Non-Violent Communication
A panel discussion focused on practical, real-world communication skills for addressing bias and discrimination without escalating conflict. Panelists explore how non-violent communication can help people name harm, listen across difference, and stay engaged when conversations get hard. With visiting speaker Ralph Johnson and WWU Associate Professor Adrian Villicana.
Wilson Library Reading Room
Tuesday, February 17
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Register for in-person here.
Wednesday, February 18th
SESSION 4 Inclusive Communication
Learn how to cultivate environments where productive dialogue, mutual respect, and meaningful relationships can take root and grow. With visiting lecturer Ralph Johnson.
VU 565, Wednesday, February 18
12:00pm - 1:30pm
LUNCH starts at 11:30
Register for in-person here.
SESSION FIVE Seeds of Change: Growing Connection Across Difference
Join Ralph Johnson in a transformative learning experience that explores human dignity as a practical alternative to conflict. Participants build skills for navigating difference with curiosity, clarity, and purpose.
Wilson Library Reading Room
Wednesday, February 18
2:30pm - 4:00pm
Register for in-person here.
SESSION SIX Discrimination, & The Law: RESCHEDULED
CANCELED TO DUE TO ILLNESS: WILL BE RESCHEDULED. A clear-eyed overview of anti-discrimination law, followed by an open “Ask Me Anything” session with CRTC and Title IX Director Daniel Records-Galbraith. This session unpacks the differences in how harmful conduct and speech is often described in our conversations and the specific language and terminology used by legal standards —and why that distinction matters.
Wilson Library Reading Room
Wednesday, February 18
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Thursday, February 19th
SESSION SEVEN Community Building: Respecting Human Dignity: CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS
CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS. A panel discussion with Ralph Johnson and Daniel Records-Galbraith, with Rachel Brooks (WWU CRTC Staff) as facilitator, that will explore the tension between legal standards and human expectations of fairness. Panelists discuss how dignity, boundaries, and communication help navigate situations where the law offers a specific process—but not always solutions.
VU 565, Thursday, February 19
11:30pm - 1:00pm
LUNCH starts at 11:00