Gail Shuck, Associate Professor of English and Coordinator of English Language Support Programs at Boise State University, will share some of her research on the impact of race on assumptions about language use. These assumptions play out in educational policies, institutional structures, and classroom practices. Because of the current political climate and the sense of urgency and fear among immigrants and refugees, Dr. Shuck will also devote some time to a collective conversation about how we can feel more empowered to respond at different levels--connecting with each other as professionals (and as neighbors!) and cultivating a sense of agency in our students.