On April 30, the Anti-Racist Agenda concluded Phase IV of the project bringing all data together for a holistic picture of the work addressed during the year and the gaps, challenges, and barriers that we will strive to eliminate as we move forward. The agenda’s three primary goals were to:
- Continue enhancing and reviewing an institutional accountability mechanism using a clear plan of action for sustainability and resources needed.
- Develop a clear and transparent system for continuous improvement and review.
- Share results broadly with the Indiana University community.
“Working across groups and campuses has been enlightening and very informative because I have seen some of the commitment that individuals and groups have for DEI work,” Lemuel Watson, associate vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs, said. “As a university, we need to continue dialogues with actions that demonstrate our commitment to building a community that is accountable and responsible for eradicating biases in every corner of the university.”
Although the Anti-Racist Agenda has officially concluded its final phase, there is far more work to be done. According to Watson, plans are underway to share the dashboards and supporting documents with outcomes, processes, and components for the year. Additionally, a report is forthcoming sharing results from both the Anti-racist Checklist, EAB Student Equity Audit Survey, and other insights from the year. Recommendations for the second year will also be forthcoming after multiple meetings with the CDOs, campus leadership, and others to ensure we continue to be relevant in our work.
Watson has had roughly 122 meetings with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and external organizations directly related to the Anti-racist Agenda work. “This year, we focused on sharing the anti-racist agenda. Next year, I hope that each unit, center, and division will continue to address challenges related to biases and how they will work to create a more equitable and just community for all individuals. We have covered a lot of ground this year, from using our anti-racist checklist to the EAB 360 Student Equity Audit. I have met with numerous groups working at the grassroots level to address the issues.
“More than anything else - this work is not about checking boxes or really ever completing. Our world continues to change, and each generation will find there is work to be done. This work is not going to be easy, comfortable, or immediate. It takes time and intention to keep us moving forward. I am happy to be a part of this change regardless of how small it might seem to many,” Watson said.