The College of Liberal Arts Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (LA EDIC) believes that a commitment to diversity should be an active and intentional endeavor that seeks, supports, and celebrates difference and multiplicity because it expands knowledge, develops the whole person, produces a capable and empathetic citizenry, and serves our local and global communities. By creating space, encouraging honest communication, and producing and/or promoting public programming, the College of Liberal Arts Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee seeks to equip our faculty, staff, and students with the language and tools they need to excel academically and personally in an ever-changing diverse and global community.
The College of Liberal Arts Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee strives to transform our community by igniting a passion in all for the value and tenets of diversity and inclusion.
- Provide educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff of the College of Liberal Arts that raise awareness, knowledge, and skills
- Support the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff in the College of Liberal Arts
- Facilitate a campus and community environment that is inclusive and supportive of student, faculty, and staff needs
- Committing to initiatives that solidify and further our welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment that focuses on equitable treatment for all students, faculty and staff. Guaranteeing fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all students, faculty, and staff. In order to do so, the College of Liberal Arts will work to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of marginalized groups.
- We hold team-building seminars for the committee
- We will host quality speakers, intellectuals and activists to speak to the College on equity, diversity and inclusion
- We are working on creating a statement with gender-inclusive language for syllabi
- We are working with local leaders and agencies on the Equal Justice Initiative Soil Collection Project
- We have created a safe space for students to share their ideas and concerns about equity, diversity and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts called, LA EDIC Student Voices Council
- We support the gender-neutral bathroom initiative on campus
- We are working to create an equity, diversity and inclusion component to all UNIV 101 courses
The College of Liberal Arts Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (LA EDIC) is a University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts initiative committed to diversity and inclusion on our campus, and to promoting an academically enriching and supportive climate that allows all members to thrive and succeed.
We define diversity as differences in race, nationality or ethnic group, religious or non-religious tradition, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic class, immigration status, sexual orientation, ability, and other identifying factors. We believe that promoting and sustaining diversity is a commitment to educational quality, social justice, and the creation of positive, respectful communities. We recognize that our strength and success as a college is built upon the foundation of a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
We embrace and encourage diversity in many forms and are committed to inclusivity among our community members, including all students, staff, and faculty. We affirm the dignity and worth of everyone, we acknowledge that the health and success of each individual is possible only in a social context in which we each have responsibilities to others and others have reciprocal responsibilities to us, and we choose to live in solidarity with all people.
LA EDIC Resources
The members of the College of Liberal Arts Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee have compiled a list of various resources to help further educate students, faculty, staff and the public on various issues. This list is always evolving! Check back often for updates and additional resources.
Campus Organizations
Crowd-Sourced Anti-Racism Resources
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh from Peace and Freedom Magazine (July-August, 1989, pp. 10-12, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Philadelphia, PA)
Becoming an Anti-Racist Educator
This resource is a action-oriented guide put together by Wheaton College. It does not claim to be exhaustive. It is meant to engage all educators in a college campus setting in becoming anti-racist.
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Racism and rebellion in the Midwest
Belt Magazine has collected articles from their archives speaking to police violence and incarceration, development and inequality, and activism through the Midwestern lens.
Reading list for children, ages 0-12
Scaffolding Anti-Racism Resources
A working document with a goal to facilitate growth for white folks to become allies and eventually accomplices for anti-racist work. These resources have been ordered in an attempt to make them more accessible.
Talking About Race
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has released Talking About Race, an online portal with tools, resources, and exercises to “help individuals, families, and communities talk about racism, racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society.”