Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Defiance College
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have been an important part of the history
and culture of Defiance College since its founding in 1850 as the Defiance Female
Seminary. Defiance College is committed to making DEI an integral part of the campus
experience by grounding its principle in our mission, core values, overarching strategies,
campus covenant, college learning objectives, and academic strategies. It is our vision
to become a national model for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT:
Defiance College recognizes the value and worth of all individuals. We strive to create
a culture in which every community member may discover their intellectual and personal
potential. As an institution of higher education, we believe in embracing the worth,
dignity, and safety of all people, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
We believe that when individuals are valued, they are also empowered to express themselves
fully, thereby elevating their engagement and sense of belonging. As a college community,
we are working to create, sustain, and develop a diverse and inclusive environment
that embraces and welcomes differences and offers respect in words and actions. The
campus community is expected and emboldened to foster a vibrant environment that values
diverse perspectives, experiences, and ways of producing knowledge where all people
can thrive in and out of the classroom.
Taskforce on Anti-Racism
In August of 2020, President Richanne Mankey established the Taskforce on Anti-Racism. The group was charged to provide the President and Board of Trustees with a list of recommendations to move toward a campus-wide agenda for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The taskforce provided the following eleven recommendations:
- Become Presidential Advisory Council
- Explore Campus Inclusion Statement
- Facilitate annual assessment of students, staff, and faculty
- Encourage inclusive language across campus
- Continue to promote understanding of inclusive terminology
- Continue training opportunities and open dialogue forums for students, staff, and faculty
- Offer Opportunities Toward Restorative Justice
- Increase and promote availability of resources
- Diversify staff and faculty representative of student demographic
- Encourage curriculum coverage of Anti-Racism, Multiculturalism, Equity, and Inclusion
- Bridge the gap between campus and the community
B.REALL
At the completion of the Taskforce on Anti-Racism work, members of the taskforce transitioned into B.REALL. B.REALL is an acronym for Belongingness, Race, Equity, Access, and Lifelong Learning. This group is charged with implementing the recommendations from the Taskforce on Anti-Racism. The group consists of four sub-committees named for the four concepts of a Vibrant DC Campus Environment as part of our overarching strategies: Belongingness, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism.
B.REALL Subcommittee and Purpose
- Belongingness
- Offer opportunities toward restorative justice
- Encourage curriculum coverage of Anti-Racism, Multiculturalism, Equity, and Inclusion
- Bridge the gap between campus and the community
- Blueprint for Belongingness
- Inclusion
- Explore Campus Inclusion Statement
- Encourage inclusive language across campus
- Continue to promote understanding of inclusive terminology
- Accessibility
- Facilitate annual assessment of students, staff, and faculty
- Increase and promote availability of resources
- Anti-Racism
- Continue training opportunities and open dialogue forums for students, staff, and faculty
- Diversify staff and faculty representative of student demographic
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Comprised of students, faculty, staff, board of trustees, and community members.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
