The SUNY Empire State College Cultural Diversity and Inclusion forum series is an expansion of the highly successful Western New York student survey project, coined the Buffalo Project, created by Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers, associate professor and Coordinator of the Global Indigenous Knowledge program at SUNY Empire State College (to learn more see https://www.esc.edu/diversity-forum/).

The 7th Annual SUNY Empire Diversity Forum on Digital Discrimination will be in honor of Dr. Jerome Williams, whose sudden passing led Prof. Yla Eason (Rutgers University) and Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers (SUNY Empire State College) to create this panel in honor of his work in the field.

Panel Description: A discussion about ‘Digital Discrimination’ and the many promises and perils of algorithms, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how these platforms must be analyzed for bias against Blacks in marketing decisions affecting banking, real estate, health and auto financing.This interview format discussion will focus on discriminatory practices and biases in the marketplace fueled by AI.

Opening Remarks by Dr. Rhianna C. Rogers (SUNY Empire State College)

Moderated by Prof. Yla Eason (Rutgers University - Business School)

Panelists

• Renée Cummings, Data Activist - School of Data Science, Criminologist, University of Virgina
• Dr. Kalinda Ukanwa, Assistant Professor of Marketing, USC Marshall School of Business, USC;
• Mike King, Managing Director, iPullRank.

Panel Questions:

1. How do you define digital discrimination and how does it relate to your work?
2. Given current discussions around big data, AI, digital biases, and the digital divide, what are ways which society and/or academia can combat digital discrimination?
3. How can digital activism, data analysis, and conversations like these help combat issues surrounding digital discrimination and create more spaces for "algorithmic accountability"?