News
Message from Vice President Wimbush
As a new academic year begins, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge this semester looks quite different from previous years. However, rest assured that Indiana University is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and faculty. Now that students have returned to campus amidst COVID-19, a pandemic that disproportionally affects underserved communities, I am pleased to report that money from the Pandemic Health Disparities Fund will be used to provide resources to those most affected by COVID-19.
Indiana University takes issues of safety very seriously, and it is this commitment that allows individuals within our campuses to continue their thoughtful and deliberate attempt to provide a safe and equitable community for everyone in the IU family. I look forward to the new and wonderful experiences fall 2020 will bring.
Indiana University Introduces Anti-Racist Agenda
“Indiana University condemns those who seek to divide us based on race, ethnicity, national origin, and other areas,” said President Michael McRobbie. “We must join together as a strong and vigorous educational community to be inclusive, supportive and welcoming to all. And we must always stand up for what is good and right as it is contrary to our values and beliefs.” The strong values of Indiana University against any form of racism is the driving force behind the creation of IU’s new anti-racist agenda, which will help to identify and remove systematic barriers that prevent IU from becoming a truly equitable university for People of Color. Spearheaded by Dr. Lemuel Watson, associate vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs; senior scientist; and Provost Professor, it is the goal of this plan to produce tangible actions and lasting change as the result of our combined efforts to end discrimination at IU.
President McRobbie addresses IU’s WWII-era Japanese American student ban
IU alumni and faculty presented a petition to the IU Board of Trustees, President Michael McRobbie and Provost Lauren Robel on February 19, 2020 asking IU to apologize for WWII ban on Japanese American students. The petition describes IU’s rejection of 12 prospective Japanese American students from admission to the university from 1942 to 1945. On July 22, 2020, in a letter to the community, President McRobbie offered regret, on behalf of Indiana University, for the failure to meet the needs of the 12 Japanese American students who were seeking a new academic home.
Monica Johnson Appointed to New Position as Assistant Vice President of Diversity Education and Cross-Cultural Engagement; Gloria Howell Named Director of the NMBCC
Monica Johnson appointed to the new position of assistant vice president for diversity education and cross-cultural engagement effective September 1, 2020. Johnson served as the director of the Marcellus Neal and Frances Marshall Black Culture Center (NMBCC) for four years before assuming this new role. Gloria Howell, current assistant director of the NMBCC, will now serve as the director.
HEED and Diversity Champion Award
The 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Awardees have been announced! The IU Bloomington and IU Indianapolis campuses received the award, as they have a number of times before. It is the only national award honoring U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion through their innovative programs and outreach; hiring practices for faculty and staff; and student recruitment, retention, and completion. In addition, for the fourth year, IU Bloomington has also been named a Diversity Champion, INSIGHT Into Diversity’s highest distinction.
IU Northwest earns Hispanic-Serving Institution designation eligibility
Indiana University Northwest (IUN) recently received designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). This federal designation is awarded to institutions with an undergraduate full-time Hispanic student population of at least 25% and allows IUN access to new grant opportunities to improve the lives of its students
Getting You Into Indiana University Honored with National Award
Students of color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are underrepresented at colleges and universities around the country. At the same time, many STEM-related industries currently face or will face growing shortages of qualified workers. Encouraging students of color to pursue careers in STEM is critical to the future of the nation’s economy.
Social Justice in America Series to Continue as Virtual Experience Sept 30 through Oct 1
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Amrita Myers and the Department of History’s Diversity Committee had plans to host the Social Justice in America Series (SJAS) in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs during the spring semester. However, as fall 2020 continues to bring new experiences to the IU campus, the SJAS will continue in a virtual form and is themed “Defending Democracy: Confronting Voter Suppression and White Supremacy in the New Millennium.”
Introducing INTERSECTIONS
Introducing INTERSECTIONS, a 12-part series in which the LGBTQ+ Culture Center at Indiana University will present focused discussions on the many intersections of the LGBTQ+ community to include race, gender, social-economic status, religion/spirituality, ability, national origin, and sexual orientation. Join us for an opportunity to dialogue with several local and national leaders about topics important to LGBTQ+ communities. The Zoom and Facebook Live events are hosted by Bruce Smail, interim director, LGBTQ+ Culture Center and special assistant to the vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs at Indiana University.
National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, 2020 with a series of events, films, and discussions that highlight the histories and accomplishments of Latino/a communities.
IU Partners with the Indiana Latino Expo
For over 200 years, Indiana University has committed to seeking solutions to tackle obstacles faced by underserved students in attaining an education. Our partnership with the Indiana Latino Expo provides an opportunity for Indiana University to engage with youth and potential returning students from across the state by bringing greater awareness to opportunities, introducing programs and initiatives to support admissions and graduation attainment, and addressing individual questions in a personal manner. We are pleased to share that IU will host several virtual programs for students and their families during National Hispanic Heritage Month to include El rumbo a la universidad: Saber es el poder! (The road to the university: Knowing is power!). This one-hour Spanish webinar will offer students and their family information to prepare for college.
Culture Center Directors and Chief Diversity Officers Work to Build Community During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic and the need for physical distancing continue to be one of the most important topics. However, staying inside and keeping yourself distant from others can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. And during this time, it is more important than ever to maintain a healthy social life. Directors of IU’s culture centers administered by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs and IU campus chief diversity officers (CDOs) are trying to build and maintain connection and community through a variety of ways even as a new semester begins to unfold.
August Recognized as Black Philanthropy Month in the State of Indiana!
We are delighted to share that Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a proclamation recognizing August as Black Philanthropy Month in Indiana. The IU Black Philanthropy Circle (BPC) and Indiana University took a leadership role in formally recognizing the importance of giving in all its forms, leading the request to the governor from the IU Black Philanthropy Circle for this proclamation. Learn how about the BPC’s mission and how you can become a partner.
Your Impact. Doubled.
As one of the first LGBTQ+ focused giving circles connected to higher education in the nation, the IU Queeer Philanthropy Circle (QPC) supports programs and resources to inspire LGTBQ+ students, faculty, and staff learn, innovate, and create. Learn about the QPC’s historical first gift of $150,000 to the IU LGBTQ+ Alumni Association in honor of Doug Bauder and Mike Shumate and a $200,000 anonymous pledge to match donations and memberships in the QPC before September 30, 2020.
IU Soul Revue performs "As" by Stevie Wonder
"As around the sun the Earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early May
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assure that
I'll be loving you always" – Stevie Wonder
"OVPDEMA: Diversity is a nail we will always hang our hat on." – James Strong, IU Soul Revue director