2021

From the Associate Dean

At the end of the spring semester, it occurred to me that many faculty, staff, and students engage in addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice issues across the College, but many of us were unaware of this great work. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report is the first of its kind for our College. It depicts the collective efforts of our community to challenge and change policies and practices in our departments, programs, courses, research, and service. The impact of our work reminds us courageous, impactful, and thoughtful steps can transform a community. 

This report also serves as a measure of accountability. We cannot merely say diversity, equity, and inclusion are important and not have the evidence that demonstrates our commitment. This report reveals that while we have engaged in great work, we must continue to disrupt and transform systems that serve as barriers to creating affirming, equitable, and just learning and work environments. 

As you review this report, I hope you find inspiration for your personal and collective commitments to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the Mary Frances Early College of Education. 

Marian Higgins
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

From the Dean

Dear colleagues,

I am proud that our College has a long history of substantive engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion work and that we know this work is never finished. We strive to continue to learn as individuals and an organization and to turn our knowledge into individual and collective action.

This report summarizes the ways units in our College have enacted our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion over the last year. It serves as a celebration and record of what we have done, as an opportunity to learn from others, and as a reminder that we must keep learning and acting. I hope you gain a sense of hope from the work that is being done and gain some new ideas for the coming year.

As you read this report, I encourage you to think about your unit and yourself in relation to the anti-racism action continuum below. Where would you place yourself on the continuum? What would it take to move you one step forward on the continuum? Where would you place your unit on the continuum? What would it take to move your unit one step forward on the continuum?

What if you replaced all references to Black in the continuum with Asian, Latinx, or another racial/ethnic group? Where are you and your unit? What do you need to learn to take action? Now replace race with general or specific categories of (dis)ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, or other identities. Where are you and your unit? What do you need to learn to take action? What do you want to learn next? How will you engage in learning individually and with others?

It is incumbent on each of us to continue growing and allowing ourselves to be challenged so we can intentionally create just, equitable, and inclusive spaces and practices in our areas of influence. I look forward to learning alongside you as we move forward as a College.

Denise A. Spangler
Dean

Year in Review
2020-21