Inclusion Action Items

Process

Although the Whitman Inclusion Task Force was a newly formed group, members recognized that their work built on many existing resources, previous conversations and the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of the Whitman community over the past few years. The group established an anti-racist, inclusivity focused framework based on Sylvia Hurtado’s model of Diverse Learning Environments to guide their review of those items as well as additional information gathered throughout the community feedback process.

Key Themes

The Student Group identified the following areas as of primary concern to matters of diversity, equity and inclusion in student life: 1) Curricular/Co-curricular; 2) Communications; 3) Resource and Facility Equity; and 4) Campus Climate.

The Staff Group identified the following areas as of primary concern to matters of diversity, equity and inclusion in staff life: 1) Belonging, Inclusion and Wellness; 2) Communication, Engagement and Community Development; and 3) Training, Development and Planning.

The Faculty Group identified the following areas as of primary concern to matters of diversity, equity and inclusion in faculty life: 1) An inability or unwillingness to have difficult conversations; 2) A lack of universal basic competency around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion; 3) A lack of appreciation of “invisible labor”; 4) Persistent toxicity at the department and personal levels; 5) Lack of diversity in hiring; and 6) Scarce focus on race and difference in the curriculum, as mentioned by faculty and in other student documents.

From these themes, three strategic goals were developed:

Accountability

• December 2020 Inclusion Action Items Update
• February 2021 Inclusion Action Items Update

Action Items