UMass Office of Equity and Inclusion – Campus Conversations on DEI
Challenge
For the past two years, the UMass Amherst Office of Equity and Inclusion has brought hundreds of campus community members together for a day-long symposium on equity and inclusion. Here, we were able to hear from academic experts, journalists, authors and others within our institution on how we can overcome the polarization endemic in our society and make progress towards creating a space focused on unity and overcoming hate. As we continue our local, national and international conversations about who we are as a community, we need to become more agile to our campus community, and more inclusive to remote and flexible work life.
Actions
Therefore, we're shifting the tone of the conversations to bridge building, and expanding the context to include social justice. Second, we’re moving from a single symposium event to a year-long conversation series with thought leaders. These hour-long online events will include clear action items and next steps on the discussion topics most relevant to our community.
Outcomes
A commitment to host numerous conversations throughout the academic year. Below are examples from Fall 2020.
Past conversations:
- Anti-Asian Bias and Xenophobia in the time of COVID-19
- Race, Gender, Class and COVID-19
Upcoming conversations:
- Leading Change in a Traumatized World with Dr. Sara Konrath
- Racialized Organizations in Higher Education with Dr. Victor Ray
- Dr. Anthony Jack (Spring 2021)
Contact
Kumble Subbaswamy
Quote
As a leading public research university, our mission is to educate our citizenry, preparing them for fulfilling and productive lives, and to use our robust research enterprise to create new knowledge to better the human condition through innovation and discovery. Our efforts have national and global significance, and it is critical to our success that we foster a workplace defined by dignity and respect for all, where the voices of diverse experiences and perspectives are valued contributions. As a living and learning community, we have the unique opportunity to actively work on understanding and embracing these values every day, but it is an ongoing process and one that cannot be left to chance. By implementing measurable actions and exchanging best practices with other organizations, we actively advance our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.