Fall 2020 Newsletter

“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.


See Information About…

Report-a-Barrier – Please use our new online reporting system to report any barriers to accessibility on UMSL’s campus or website.

ODEI has a New Home! –  Our new office will be open to visitors as soon as all COVID 19 restrictions have been removed. Our new address is:

University of Missouri- St. Louis
152 JC Penney
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121-4400


Chancellor’s Cultural Diversity Council Events, Scholarship, and Fellowship Announcements

During our Fall CCDC meeting, numerous council members shared some awesome opportunities. Check out the announcements below!

Scholarship/Fellowship Opportunity

Opportunity Scholars Program 

Applications are open for the Opportunity Scholars Program. The Opportunity Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for St. Louis-area high school students to receive an all-inclusive, four-year scholarship to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and opportunities to develop career experience. For more information visit: http://www.umsl.edu/~honors/Opportunity%20Scholars/

International Fellowship Program

Greetings!

There is still time to apply for the ! Applications are due to Dr. Cassidy Thompson (cassidythompson@umsl.edu) on December 1!

UMSL Global is pleased to announce the relaunch of the International Fellowship Program. Supporting the international research efforts of our talented UMSL faculty members is a central mission of the UMSL Global team. The 2020 International Fellowship program is designed to strengthen UMSL’s international efforts by supporting international collaborative research and creative outputs through a one-time fellowship award of up to $5,000.00. The program aims to benefit all faculty engaging in or presenting research/creative outputs that are international in scope and who may need to supplement their funding.

For information on how to apply, click on the 2020 International Fellowship Application tab at http://www.umsl.edu/global/engagement/fellows.html.

We look forward to reading your proposals!

Warmest Wishes!

Events

STITCH webinar Series

Summit to Improve Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Collaborative Health Care Webinar Series (Fridays as noon, October 16 through December 4). If you register as a “community member”/non-health care provider, registration is free.

Here is the direct registration link: https://web.cvent.com/event/45e81e59-09b8-4b46-b89d-d66fdddce863/regProcessStep1

Able-Disable Partnership Sponsored Events

Title: Nothing About us Without us: A Discussion About the Autistic Experience 

Date: 2020-11-11

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (CDT)

Link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/98650657404?pwd=WCtLVEM3YzVJZ090VWNaU2JTYmNNQT09

Passcode: 542677

Title: Virtual LearnAbility: The Intersection of Virtual Learning and Disability 

Date: 2020-11-18

Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (CDT)

Zoom Link: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/94493074427?pwd=cDU2emhTWTZ6VDlLcU9mL1hGZzhKUT09

Password: 976600

The Language of Love: Partners, Friends, and the Movement Away from Heteronormativity

Please join us Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27th at 6:00pm for a discussion about love, language, and meaning in contemporary queer relationships. Dr. Lynn Staley will be moderating a discussion with four couples about their love stories and how they employ language to move beyond a heteronormative context.

Topic: The Language of Love: Partners, Friends, and the Movement Away from Heteronormativity
Time: Oct 27, 2020 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/95506476303?pwd=UjVKRVhQUXp4VHpSeVArQlhmN2E5dz09
Meeting ID: 955 0647 6303
Passcode: 969890

St. Louis Civil Rights Speaker Series

I am excited to share with you some of the great work the Honors College is doing! The St. Louis Civil Rights Speaker Series is an on-going discussion on race in St. Louis and the importance of activism in the city’s past and present. The final conversation will be October 27th at 6:30pm with Sylvester Brown. Sylvester was a former columnist from Post-Dispatch and writes for the St. Louis American. He was the opening narrator for the Pruitt-Igoe Myth documentary and has come to campus numerous times to talk to students about growing up in Pruitt-Igoe. Sylvester also participated in the Beyond the Building videos and is currently the founder of the Sweet Potato Project. This was created to restore economic activities in North St. Louis to teach youth a sustainable business and entrepreneurial skills.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ODEI is proud to partner with Dr. April Regester, Associate Professor, Special Education, UMSL College of Education to offer a session on Inclusive Language for our disability community.

This session will provide you with an opportunity to learn about currently appropriate terminology as well as the reasoning behind why these terms are generally preferred. This will be a safe space to ask questions, voice concerns, and share your experiences.

Register here. 

Black Futurity Reading Group’s October Event

Dear UMSL Faculty, Staff, and Students,

The Black Futurity Group invites you to join us in a virtual discussion of an excerpt from Brittney Cooper’s Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower.

When: Thursday, October 29th at 1 pm

Where: Via Zoom, passcode: 000498

Reading: Orchestrated Fury

For questions, contact  Kara Moskowitz (moskowitzk@umsl.edu), Lauren Obermark (ObermarkL@umsl.edu), or Kimberly Welch (kwelch@umsl.edu).

Are you wondering how to be more inclusive and supportive of our LGBTQ+ community?

In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, ODEI partnered with Gender Studies and Student Involvement to create a resource sheet for you to take action to help make our campus and society more affirming and inclusive of our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, colleagues, friends, and family!  Please download and share 10 Ways to create a more inclusive campus for LGBTQ + Community and share!

10 Ways to create a more inclusive campus for LGBTQ + Community
10 Ways to create a more inclusive campus for LGBTQ + Community

DOWNLOAD: 10 Ways to create a more inclusive campus for LGBTQ + Community

Diversity Alliance Interview Series with Dr. Dana Klar

To celebrate Indigenous People’ Day, we kicked off our Diversity Alliance Interview series by interviewing a member of the United Houma Nation, Dr. Dana Klar, Assistant Teaching Professor in Child Advocacy Studies.

Dr. Klar talks about how her work has shifted during a double pandemic, explains the importance of anti-racism training, explores her experience as a Member of the United Houma Nation of southeast Louisiana and how she incorporates her connection with Indigenous People’ into service learning for students in her Cultural Advocacy class. You won’t want to miss this conversation!

#UMSLProud #Diversity #TransformingLives