Patience Kayira ’20 | Contributing Writer
Prompted by the incident July 31, the College announced new Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Initiatives Jan. 30. College Relations reports: “The college has taken action in policing policies and training, employee training and cross-campus education focused on culture change.”
In addition to these employee- and staff-driven initiatives, the college also plans to bring five visiting assistant professors specializing in public discourse this fall. The college hopes that “these positions will support some new work around the college’s writing program,” says Stacey Schmeidel, Director of Media Relations.
While many of these initiatives focus on increasing awareness for Smith College employees, students can also contribute in a variety of ways. Student organizations looking to improve inclusivity, diversity and equity on campus can apply for the Count Me-In grant.
Count Me-In, a funding opportunity designed by The Office of Development, Alumnae Relations and Office of Student Engagement, will give student organizations and house communities up to $500 to lead programs on inclusion, diversity and equity. “The plan is to host one event this spring and one in the fall,” says Madeline Delvicario, Assistant Director for Undergraduate, GOLD alumnae and Diversity & Inclusion.
Students can also participate as workshop leaders and facilitators for the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Conference scheduled for April 10. Smith has partnered with The Collaborations Group to plan this conference. The Collaborations Group is a consulting organization that helps institutions and companies initiate change through coaching, leadership development and organizational development, as seen on collaborationsgroup.com.
Submissions to facilitate a workshop at the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Conference will be due by Feb. 15. Visit smith.edu/about-smith/diversity/inclusion-conference for more details.
