College of Education and Human Development

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Events

Racial Justice & Equity (RJE) Talk Series presents: Fostering Mental Health and Resilience in Educational Settings Amid Rising Antisemitism

Apr
03

Fostering Mental Health and Resilience in Educational Settings Amid Rising
 Antisemitism
The rise in antisemitism has impacted students and staff across educational institutions,creating heightened stress, fear, and division. This session offers a trauma-informed framework to support mental health and promote resilience for all members of the academic community. Participants will learn practical skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance, equipping them to navigate challenging conversations and emotional triggers. The session will also explore how to validate students’ experiences while holding them accountable for academic responsibilities, fostering a balanced approach to support and structure. By integrating trauma-informed practices, educators, administrators, and students can create a more inclusive, psychologically safe environment that upholds the well-being of all.

Objectives:
1. Recognize the Impact of Rising Antisemitism on Mental Health – Understand how increased antisemitism affects students, faculty, and staff, and its broader implications for campus climate.
2. Develop Emotion Regulation and Distress Tolerance Skills – Learn techniques to manage strong emotions and support others in distress while maintaining psychological safety.
3. Balance Validation with Accountability – Explore how to acknowledge students' emotions while ensuring they remain engaged in their academic responsibilities.
4. Create Trauma-Informed Educational Environments – Implement strategies to foster a supportive, inclusive, and responsive campus culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being.

When: Thursday, April 3rd,
 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Where: Peik 355 and
 online via Zoom

RSVP Here

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern is the Director of Trauma Training and Services at Parents for Peace and the Director of Intensive Outpatient Treatment Services at Boston Child Study Center. She is also a lecturer in Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where she supervises psychology interns and psychiatry residents. In addition, Dr. Bar-Halpern is an author, a public speaker, and an advisor to digital health companies. She is extensively trained in implementing a broad range of evidence-based interventions to treat children, adolescents, and families with severe psychiatric conditions. As an expert in the field of trauma, Dr. Bar-Halpern has developed treatment manuals, therapy groups, and training seminars and has been invited to present nationally and internationally. She has published several chapters and articles about trauma and emotion regulation, including the book, Becoming a Superhero: A Book For Children Who Have Been Exposed to Trauma. Dr. Bar-Halpern also provides consultation to schools and organizations in developing trauma-informed social-emotional programs to enhance safety, quality of life, and
performance.


 

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      Non-discrimination statement

      The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. All are welcome.

        Land acknowledgement

        The University of Minnesota campuses were built on the traditional homelands of the Dakota and Ojibwe, and scores of other Indigenous peoples who have walked on these lands from time immemorial. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations. We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.