“The future depends on what we do in the present.”  – Mahatma Gandhi  

Welcome to Fall Semester 2020!!

It is an honor to serve as the new Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and to work collectively with each of you in order to maintain an inclusive environment for all here at UMSL.

I am excited about this new opportunity and the expanded role of the office. Yet, I remain cognizant that with the great work that happens on this campus, there is still more to do. We are facing uncertainty as we navigate the space we are in-Covid 19, racial injustices, socio-economic disadvantages, transphobia and this “newness” will challenge us to think beyond what is customary, what is familiar to ways that better serve the direction of the institution and our campus community.

Every interaction that I have, every conversation that takes place, brings encouragement that we are positioned to make impactful and long-lasting positive changes. We have a long road ahead of us, but I remain confident that we will get there together  (crawling…walking…running…driving-maybe with a little road rage).

I look forward to what this academic year brings. Take care.

Sincerely,

Tanisha Stevens

It is with sadness that we announce the retirement of Dorothea Scott. Dorothea served as the Compliance Manager-EEO Programs, ensuring the campus remained in compliance with federal, state, and local laws as it relates to employment policies and personnel actions. Prior to starting her career at UMSL, Dorothea worked for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs for 25 years. Dorothea received a Masters Degree in Communication Studies  from the University of Kansas,  a Bachelors Degree in Speech Communication from Oklahoma Christian College and an Associate Degree in Speech Communication from Southwestern Christian College.

Dorothea has been an integral part of the office and has been a welcoming presence to us all, a confidant to many and a reassuring voice to all those who enter Woods Hall. Her knowledge (and humor) is valuable and her hard work, commitment and dedication to UMSL and to the UM System is admirable.

To quote Dorothea “Continued blessings and much success to you…Be blessed and stay safe.

Help me in congratulating Dorothea. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to our team!! You will be missed.

UMSL a recipient of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s 2020 HEED Award 

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine named UMSL as one of 90 recipients of its prestigious 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award – a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“The HEED Award process consists of a comprehensive and rigorous application that includes questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both — continued leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

Read more about the award 

We are happy to offer a full schedule of online professional development programs for the Fall/Spring 2020-2021. Please visit our blog for the full schedule.

• NEW! Diversity 101 Synchronous and Self-Paced Courses – In addition to the standard format on Canvas,  Diversity 101 is now being offered both as synchronous course (via zoom) and a self-paced course! Click here for more information.
• NEW! Anti-Racism Learning & Discussion Series. Faculty & Staff will meeting via Zoom monthly to discuss readings and videos.  Click here for more information.
• NEW! Constructive Communication Across Differences Three-part Series

Last month, the ODEI hosted the inaugural meeting of the Diversity Alliance Network. The Diversity Alliance is a network of over 40 faculty and staff who support diversity and inclusion efforts within academic departments and administrative units at UMSL. The purpose of the Diversity Alliance Network is to share information, build collaborations, enhance the flow of communication about DEI programs/initiatives, and to provide a supportive environment as we continue to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion across campus. Future ODEI newsletters will feature stories about the work of Diversity Alliance members. Stay tuned!

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Sex-based discrimination occurs when a person has been treated inequitably, based on sex, pregnancy, gender identity or gender expression. Sex discrimination is prohibited by university policy and federal law in educational programs, activities and employment, receiving federal financial assistance. The university policy applies to all students, employees, volunteers and visitors at the university and prohibits sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and other forms of sex discrimination as defined in Section 600.020 of the Collected Rules and Regulations.

The Department of Education (DOE) implemented regulations to Title IX, which went into effect August 14, 2020. Chapter 600 of the University’s Collected Rules and Regulations was updated to ensure compliance with the federal regulations. Over the next several months, we will introduce the most significant changes required by the recent implemented regulations. The first significant regulatory change is the definition of:

Sexual Harassment Defined

The DOE has provided a definition of sexual harassment which is specific and required to meet one of the following criteria:

• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s (UMSL) educational program or activity.
• Quid Pro Quo (This for That)
• Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and/or stalking as defined under the U.S. Codes.

The DOE and the United States Supreme Court have found that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination, prohibited by Title IX. Prior guidance defined sexual harassment as “unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature” that may include “unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.” Prior guidance and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) pushed schools to address the harassment “before” it became severe or pervasive, in order to help prevent the development of a hostile environment.

In our next newsletter, we will address mandated reporting and the formal complaint.