The Diversity and Inclusion Task Force is reviewing data to form recommendations to help make the campus more inclusive.
The task force last met in December before Winter Break. The smaller committees within the task force met when students returned to campus for classes.
“We are moving right along with schedule,” said Casey Ross, university general counsel. “The committees are working to make these recommendations and prepare to send them to the president before the end of the academic year.”
The task force is responsible for creating academic programming to further the development of campus cultural competence.
The committees within the task force will focus on creating a student programming plan, training and curriculum. The task force has until the end of the academic year to give its recommendations on how to make the university more inclusive.
“I think we are focused on having a positive impact on the campus,” Ross said.
President Robert Henry created the task force after a photo surfaced in October on social media. In the photo, a student was dressed as Jay Z with her face painted black, a practice known as “blackface.” Blackface represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out racist stereotypes.
Lee Brown, university risk manager, was named chairman of the task force.
Brown will oversee the formation of the recommendations and send them to Henry for review.
Brown was unavailable for comment at presstime.
One student is glad to see the task force working to improve campus life.
“I am glad that they are moving forward this quickly with the task force,” said Brian Jenkins, psychology sophomore “OCU is a great place to be, but I think we need to make sure that we are diverse and inclusive with all people in our community.”
The task force will examine how professors teach diversity and inclusion in their lessons and the cultural profile of the university.
“The data is very extensive,” Ross said. “The committees are being very thorough with their review of this data. I think some really great things are going to come out of this.”
Once the recommendations are sent to the president, he will present them to the appropriate committees for review.
“If it’s something that needs to change in the faculty handbook, then the Faculty Senate will need to approve it,” Ross said. “Other things would need to go to the board of trustees for approval.”
Ross said the task force was a smart move for the university.
“My only regret is that we didn’t form this sooner,” Ross said. “I believe that this is only going to make our university greater.”
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