Pandemic Has Surprising Effects on College Admissions

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As top-ranked colleges eliminated entrance exams due to COVID-19, their popularity — and diversity — increased

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE | How to celebrate Pride Month 2021 | College athletes often face uncertain futures CommittedCommitted to to EquityEquity and and Inclusion Inclusion.. FocusedFocused on on Student Student Success Success..

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www.unfjobs.orgwww.unfjobs.org www.unfjobs.orgAN EQUAL ACCESS / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY UNIVERSITY 20 20 ANAN EQUAL EQUAL ACCESS ACCESS / EQUAL / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY 20 2020 20 AN EQUAL ACCESS / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY UNIVERSITY 20 20 In this issue June 2021

44 Special Report: Schools of Social and Behavioral Sciences

18 Advancing LGBTQ Rights In Brief: Schools of Social and Celebrating Triumphs 44 and Behavioral Sciences By INSIGHT Staff

Indian Students in the U.S. Grapple with WashU Creates Diverse Sociology Department 22 COVID-19 Crisis from Half a World Away 46 from the Ground Up By Mariah Stewart and Erik Cliburn By Lisa O’Malley

The Equity Debate in College Sports Unique Social and Behavioral Research Centers 38 Goes Beyond Financial Compensation 48 Investigate Society’s Most Pressing Issues By Erik Cliburn By INSIGHT Staff

32: Cover STORY Pandemic Has Surprising Effects on Diversity in Elite College Admissions

By Lisa O’Malley and Mariah Bohanon

On the cover: Students on the campus of Cornell University

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The University of Kentucky is proud to rank among “We continue our work to make sure that anyone the top 25 campuses in the nation for LGBTQ* who engages with our campus can do so as inclusion and safety. their authentic selves and find a true sense of belonging,” Poston said. “This recognition sends UK received five out of five stars for overall campus a strong signal to prospective students and climate from Campus Pride Index, a national employees that UK is a place that values everyone benchmarking tool for colleges and universities and the unique contributions they make to our which self-assesses LGBTQ*-friendly policies, special place.” programs and practices, conducted by and for LGBTQ* experts in the field of higher education. View UK’s Campus Pride Index report card at go.uky.edu/campuspride. “We are incredibly proud of the five-star rating and very aware of the host of campus partners Learn more about UK’s Office of LGBTQ* Resources and student leaders who contributed to us at www.uky.edu/lgbtq/. receiving this distinction by putting diversity and inclusivity as a major focus in all that they do each day,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Success Lance Poston.

uky.edu An Equal Opportunity University

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Editorial Board: Monthly Observance Linda Akutagawa Kenneth J. Barrett LeManuel Bitsóí, EdD 14 A Pandemic Can’t Stop Pride: Celebrating LGBTQ Elissa H. Buxbaum Lynette Chappell-Williams, JD Pride Month Safely During COVID-19 Deborah Dagit Sonja Feist-Price, PhD James A. Felton III Cheryl Gonzalez, EdD Gretchel Hathaway, PhD Erika Henderson, EdD Lisa McBride, PhD Diversity Champion Spotlight Ajay Nair, PhD Nereida Perez 24 Virginia Commonwealth University Innovates from Within Clyde Wilson Pickett, EdD Menah Pratt-Clarke, PhD to Fulfill Goal of “Diversity Driving Excellence” Gigi Secuban, EdD, By Mariah Bohanon Shirley J. Wilcher, JD

Closing INSIGHT The views expressed in the content of the articles and advertisements published in INSIGHT Into Diversity are those of the authors 50 Drive-Through Commencement Ceremonies and are not to be considered the views Offer Hope for 2021 Grads expressed by Potomac Publishing, Inc.

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New Analysis Finds College Students Could Accumulate $37,200 in Loans

Personal finance company NerdWallet undergraduate career if the rate thing is clear: Students will still need recently released an analysis showing remains the same. A steady rate, to take out loans to pay for higher that students currently pursuing a however, is unlikely. NerdWallet education,” says Anna Helhoski, bachelor’s degree could graduate with predicts that students will begin NerdWallet’s student loan expert. approximately $37,200 in debt. borrowing an additional $350 Federal student loan interest rates An undergraduate enrolled in annually by 2024-2025. are expected to fall below 3 percent a four-year public university will The analysis tracks the annual for the first time in 15 years, but borrow an estimated $7,321 to help amount borrowed by undergraduates this drop will likely have only a pay for tuition and other expenses starting with the 2000-2001 academic marginal effect on monthly payments, in the 2021-2022 academic year, year. At that time, the average according to Helhoski. She suggests according to the analysis. Since student took out approximately that students consider their potential the average bachelor’s degree takes $3,212 in loans annually, totaling an earnings after graduation and how five years to complete, NerdWallet estimated $16,060 for their entire much debt they can reasonably estimates that students will undergraduate career. manage before determining whether accumulate nearly $37,200 in debt “What college will look like in the they need to borrow to complete a throughout the course of their fall and beyond is uncertain, but one degree and, if so, how much.●

Read, Watch, Listen

READ: When Colleges Close: WATCH: Homeroom LISTEN: Throughline: James Leading in a Time of Crisis Homeroom is a documentary that Baldwin’s Shadow EFFECTING CHANGE STARTS Declining enrollment and a series of captures a microcosm of the Eddie Glaude, chair of the Center mounting financial hurdles have forced American high school in 2020. An for African American Studies at many small colleges to permanently official Sundance Film Festival Princeton University, guides listeners WITH EXPRESSING YOURSELF shutter their doors in recent years. In When selection, it follows the diverse senior on a 45-minute journey exploring Colleges Close, authors Mary L. Churchill class of Oakland High School in the impact and philosophy of writer The University of Louisville is home to a Take Shades, a student organization devoted and David J. Chard, the former leaders California as they navigate classes and James Baldwin. Glaude shares community of diverse perspectives and to empowering LGBTQ+ students of color by of Wheelock College, explain how they adolescence during a global pandemic. excerpts from some of Baldwin’s backgrounds. Working together, we address providing support and public advocacy for began preparing early for a future in which At the same time, the students most influential essays and dissects their institution of 1,100 students would confront growing racial tensions and his societal criticisms to show global challenges and drive needed change to members and allies in a world where race and no longer be financially viable. Through community efforts to eliminate their how they can help us understand build a better world here and beyond. sexuality intersect. Shades is just one of several intense teamwork and strategic planning, the school district’s police department. contemporary race relations. The groups and programs at the LGBT Center Consistently rated as a top university for college’s administration was able to merge Emmy Award-winning director episode begins with Baldwin’s committed to celebrating and supporting with Boston University in 2018. While the and cinematographer Peter Nicks account of seeing a Black man supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including Cardinal Family members of all sexual historic Wheelock is no longer a stand-alone incorporates the students’ perspectives violently arrested by police officers regularly being named “Best of the Best” institution, its story reveals how the leaders through self-recorded social media in front of a crowd of onlookers at a orientations, gender identities and gender by Campus Pride Index, UofL and its LGBT of small colleges can — and likely must.— videos and testimonies, offering train station, thus preparing listeners expressions. By striving for inclusion, UofL is Center are committed to building a welcoming, learn to adapt to the changing higher viewers a glimpse into the struggles for a somber reflection on how creating a dynamic Community of Care. education landscape or cease to exist entirely. and hopes of those coming of age in a history repeats itself. Available at LGBTQ+ friendly environment where students, ● Published by Princeton University Press revolutionary year. Streaming on Hulu npr.org/podcasts faculty and staff are encouraged to be themselves and discover their path to success. louisville.edu/lgbt

PROUD TO BE A 2020 DIVERSITY CHAMPION.

6 June 2021 EFFECTING CHANGE STARTS WITH EXPRESSING YOURSELF The University of Louisville is home to a Take Shades, a student organization devoted community of diverse perspectives and to empowering LGBTQ+ students of color by backgrounds. Working together, we address providing support and public advocacy for global challenges and drive needed change to members and allies in a world where race and build a better world here and beyond. sexuality intersect. Shades is just one of several groups and programs at the LGBT Center Consistently rated as a top university for committed to celebrating and supporting supporting the LGBTQ+ community, including Cardinal Family members of all sexual regularly being named “Best of the Best” orientations, gender identities and gender by Campus Pride Index, UofL and its LGBT expressions. By striving for inclusion, UofL is Center are committed to building a welcoming, creating a dynamic Community of Care. LGBTQ+ friendly environment where students, faculty and staff are encouraged to be themselves and discover their path to success. louisville.edu/lgbt

PROUD TO BE A 2020 DIVERSITY CHAMPION. IN BRIEF

Idaho Governor Passes Bill Banning Critical Race Theory in Public Schools, Universities

On April 28, Idaho Gov. Brad Little intend to prohibit discussion in an open While many educators have been (R) signed a bill banning critical race and free way.” eager to adopt race theory and theory (CRT) from being taught However, critics say that banning similar philosophies in their curricula, in public schools, including higher CRT in schools could have a disastrous conservative lawmakers have been education institutions. effect on teachers who want to address pushing back — including Senate The bill, HB 377, prohibits controversial topics in the classroom. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. In educators from teaching that any race, The ACLU of Idaho called the bill late April, McConnell wrote a letter to sex, religion, ethnicity, or national a “fundamental misunderstanding” of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona origin is superior or inferior to CRT and stated that its unclear wording condemning the 1619 Project and others. The legislation also bans any only works to censor discourse about other teachings related to race theory as lessons that promote the idea that racism and sexism in public schools. “divisive nonsense.” individuals are “inherently responsible First developed in legal academies in Idaho joins Utah, Arkansas, and for actions committed in the past by the 1970s, CRT examines the role of Tennessee in passing bills limiting other members of the same sex, race, race and racism in society. The term has CRT and diversity training in public ethnicity, religion, color, or national since spread to other areas of academia schools and institutions. Iowa, origin.” and rose to further prominence Louisiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Republican State Sen. Carl Crabtree, following The New York Times’ release and several other states also have who co-sponsored the bill, stated it was of the 1619 Project, which explores the similar bills in the works.● a “preventative measure” and “does not history of slavery in the U.S.

The University of Tulsa is a small, private institution in a culturally vibrant city located in a state that is home to 39 federally recognized Native American tribes. At the heart of our mission and values is a promise to educate people of diverse backgrounds and identities in an environment of equity, inclusion and respect.

utulsa.edu/diversity TU is an EEO/AA institution, including Disability/Veteran. TU#

8 June 2021 CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY

A 2020 HEED Award recipient and a four-time Diversity Champion, Oklahoma State University continues to build on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Over the past decade, OSU has seen a 90% increase in enrollment of students of color, a 99% increase in this population earning an OSU bachelor’s degree, and a nearly 90% increase in faculty of color. OSU is one of eight institutions to have earned the award nine consecutive years — and the only one in Oklahoma — to receive the HEED Award nine years running. These distinctions recognize progress, even as we recognize the call to do more. We are proud of this university, the mission it represents, and all that’s to come. At OSU, we cultivate Bright Minds for a Bright Future and the Brightest World for All! That’s the Cowboy way. new directions

CALIFORNIA MASSACHUSETTS NEW MEXICO Juliet M. Brodie, JD, has been Victor Clay has been selected as Teresa Maria Linda Scholz, PhD, appointed the Peter E. Haas Faculty chief of the Harvard University will serve as the inaugural vice Director of Stanford University’s Police Department in Cambridge. president for equity, inclusion, Haas Center for Public Service. Clay previously served as chief and diversity at New Mexico State Brodie was director of the Stanford of campus security and parking University in Las Cruces. Scholz was Community Law Clinic and a services at the California Institute associate vice chancellor and chief professor at Stanford Law School. of Technology in Pasadena. diversity officer for the University of California, Santa Cruz. Tracey Osborne, PhD, will serve MICHIGAN as the inaugural director of the Damon Brown OHIO Center for Climate Justice for will serve as the Amoaba Gooden, the University of California (UC) inaugural chief PhD, has been system. Osborne previously served diversity officer of appointed vice as the UC Presidential Chair in Alma College. Brown president for Management of Complex Systems will continue in his diversity, equity, Professor at UC Merced. current position as and inclusion vice president for student affairs at at Kent State COLORADO the institution. University. Gooden was an Lolita Buckner Inniss, associate professor and the chair of JD, PhD, is the first MINNESOTA the university’s department of Pan- African American Karen Diver will African Studies. to be named dean serve as the of the University of inaugural senior Randale L. Richmond has been Colorado Law School adviser to the appointed director of athletics at in Boulder. Inniss president for Native Kent State University. Richmond was senior associate dean for American Affairs was senior associate athletic academic affairs and a professor at at the University of director at Old Dominion University the Southern Methodist University Minnesota in Minneapolis. Diver in Norfolk, Virginia. Dedman School of Law in Dallas. previously served as the business development director for the WISCONSIN INDIANA Native American Advancement Seandra Mitchell has been Pamela Whitten, PhD, is the first Initiative at the University of appointed vice president for woman to be appointed president Arizona in Tucson. student affairs and campus of Indiana University Bloomington. inclusion at the Milwaukee School Whitten was president of NEW JERSEY of Engineering. Mitchell was an Kennesaw State University in Vojislava Pophristic, PhD, has adviser for the National Society of Georgia. been appointed dean of Rowan Black Engineers at the university. University’s College of Science IOWA and Mathematics in Glassboro. DeVon Wilson Barbara Wilson, PhD, Pophristic was interim dean will serve as has been selected and a professor of chemistry at the inaugural as president of the the Misher College of Arts and associate dean for University of Iowa Sciences at the University of the diversity, equity, in Iowa City. Wilson Sciences in Philadelphia. and inclusion at previously served as the University the executive vice Antonio D. Tillis, PhD, has of Wisconsin-Madison College president and vice president for been selected as chancellor of of Letters and Science. Wilson academic affairs at the University Rutgers University-Camden. previously served as the assistant of Illinois System. Tillis previously served as interim dean, diversity coordinator, and president of the University of director for the college’s Center for Houston-Downtown. Academic Excellence.

Has your campus recently hired a new administrator? INSIGHT Into Diversity would like to publish your news. Please email [email protected].

10 June 2021

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Virginia Tech Graduate School’s Diversity Scholars are selected based on their work with inclusion and diversity efforts at the university. A Diversity Scholar’s role is to promote dialogue, provide advocacy, and implement change to support a more diverse and inclusive experience for students, faculty, staff, and administrators across the university.

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Conversations and African Graduate “I Ask” for Consent Cookies: Supporting International Campaign Women in STEM and Students Experiences: Male-Dominated A Panel Discussion Industries

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New Study Reveals Pandemic’s Effects on LGBTQ College Students

While the COVID-19 pandemic say is likely due to many not living percent of transgender students.— caused numerous academic, emotional, at home with family before the versus 5 percent of cisgender and financial challenges for college pandemic. Nearly half of those who students.— reported they did not have students, a study released in May did return home when campuses shut reliable internet access or a quiet space by the Williams Institute at the down said they were not out to their to study for their remote classes. University of California, Los Angeles families about their sexual orientation LGBTQ students were also twice School of Law shows that the or gender identity. as likely to have lost financial aid. pandemic was particularly detrimental Nearly 15 percent reported losing an for LGBTQ students. internship, fellowship, or job compared An estimated 3.4 million Conducted in collaboration with the of the 20 million college with only 6 percent of other students. LGBTQ scholarship organization the students in the U.S. identify “The economic fallout of Point Foundation, the study drew from as LGBTQ. the COVID-19 pandemic has data collected in January and February disproportionally impacted people 2021 from a nationally representative of color and LGBTQ people,” stated sample of Americans ages 18 to 40. the study’s author, Kathryn O’Neill, According to the results, one- The study also showed COVID-19’s a policy analyst at the Williams third of LGBTQ respondents disproportionate educational impact on Institute. “It could have a long-term attending college reported losing LGBTQ students. Nearly 65 percent of effect on the ability of marginalized student housing due to the pandemic. transgender students said their ability populations to pursue higher Furthermore, LGBTQ students were to pursue their studies was impeded by education.”● more than twice as likely to have faced the pandemic, compared to 39 percent housing insecurities, which researchers of all other students. Additionally, 31

Psychological Associations Demand LGBTQ Protections at Religious Colleges

Seventeen professional psychological and denial of on-campus housing. watched religion be used to oppose associations recently issued a joint “[The letter is] aimed at colleges that equity and civil rights for LGBTQ+ letter to the U.S. Department of say being LGBTQ is a sin and that take people all over the world – which have Education demanding greater federal a non-affirming theological position caused many harms to the community,” protections for LGBTQ students at on [sexual] identities and relational the statement reads. federally funded religious colleges and statuses,” Joshua Wolff, a clinical All 17 organizations that signed the universities. psychologist and professor at Adler letter are divisions of the American The letter calls on the Education University told Religion News Service. Psychological Association; however, Department to investigate allegations Although the letter acknowledges the association itself has not endorsed of harm detailed in a March 2021 the importance of religious freedom the statement. Organizations class action lawsuit by 33 current and expression, the groups denounce represented in the letter include the and former LGBTQ students at the use of religious beliefs to justify Society for the Psychology of Sexual 25 various Christian colleges. The prejudice and discrimination. Orientation and Gender Diversity, the suit, filed by the nonprofit Religious “Too many in the LGBTQ+ Society for the Psychological Study Exemption Accountability Project, community are painfully aware of of Social Issues, and the Society for claims the plaintiffs faced a wide range the ways in which they have been Pediatric Psychology.● of discrimination and harassment, excluded from religious participation, including forced conversion therapy condemned for their identities, and

12 June 2021 The harder we look THE MORE WE SEE.

At Ohio University, our vision for diversity and inclusion is to celebrate all members of our University community and to broaden our collective understanding by uplifting diverse identities, cultures, experiences and perspectives. We recognize that this requires a willingness to have hard conversations, to recognize and call out prejudice, to hear and respect vastly different points of view, and to do all this with humanity and grace. The work of building a diverse and inclusive community is far more than a set of boxes to check or a series of events to attend. It happens in small steps and in big leaps, in private one-on-one conversations and in public demonstrations. To succeed we must LEARN MORE be both relentlessly intentional and open to the spontaneous opportunities for positive change. ohio.edu/diversity Recognizing our University’s commitment to being a leader in diversity and inclusion, we recently launched a new campaign that we are simply calling VISIBLE. VISIBLE is about shining a light on all of it – the good work, the hard truths, the differences we ® 2018 ® 2019 2020 ® easily embrace and those that make us uncomfortable, the barriers, Top Colleges for Diversity Top Colleges for Diversity Top Colleges for Diversity the opportunities, and most of all the people who are or strive to Visit www.ohio.edu/equity-civil-rights for Ohio University’s Title IX Coordinator, be a part of our Bobcat community. contact information, and Notice of Non-Discrimination. ©2020 Ohio University. UCM 3638. All rights reserved. monthly observancE

A Pandemic Can’t Stop Pride: Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month Safely During COVID-19

14 June 2021 June 28, 2020, marked the 50th anniversary of New number of corporations and nonprofits now exhibit their York City’s Pride March, the first official LGBTQ Pride support of the LGBTQ community through advertising and celebration to be held in the U.S. Despite the importance merchandise. Similarly, many religious groups, government of this anniversary, many cities and organizations were entities, and schools have heeded the call to issue forced to cancel, postpone, or alter their 2020 Pride Month statements in support of LGBTQ equality. events due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. For LGTBQ individuals and allies, there are multiple This year, however, organizers across the country have options for publicly exhibiting pride and support. devised unique ways for people to pay tribute to LGBTQ Individuals can display Pride flags, signage, and pioneers, enjoy community, and advocate for equal rights decorations at home and in the workplace. During the while reducing the chance of infection. Amid a year of month of June, many clothing brands offer special Pride social upheaval, including increasing attempts by state gear, often with a portion of their proceeds going to legislatures to restrict transgender rights in schools and LGBTQ nonprofits. And of course, these and other LGBTQ athletics, LGBTQ people and their allies have many options associations sell clothing and merchandise for those who for promoting equality in June and beyond. want to display solidarity while supporting their cause year-round. Ways to celebrate LGBTQ Pride in 2021: Advocate and volunteer Attend a virtual Pride Month event Everyone has something to offer when it comes Some cities and organizations have opted to reschedule to fighting for LGBTQ equality. Local groups and their annual Pride parades and traditions for later in the associations require the dedication of hundreds of year, while others have designed June events that allow volunteers to successfully organize Pride events each for social distancing. For those people who would like to stay home, there are a plethora of online options for participating from afar. NYC Pride, the nonprofit organization that runs the city’s annual Pride traditions, is hosting

a virtual rally on June 25 to honor victims of anti- LGBTQ violence and to mark the fifth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando that took the lives of 49 innocent people. Attendees will learn how to advocate for Black Trans Lives and more. Indy Pride, which promotes LGBTQ equality in Indiana, will hold a virtual festival on June 12 that will include options for year. National LGBTQ nonprofits such as GLAAD match interactive education, celebration, and shopping as well as individuals with volunteer opportunities that suit their an online film festival. More information about these and abilities and interests, while organizations such as the other Pride events held by groups across the U.S. can be Trevor Project train volunteers to directly support LGBTQ found at Eventbrite.com/online/pride. people in need by operating suicide hotlines and more. The Human Rights Campaign and many other advocacy Decorate and display groups empower individuals to campaign for LGBTQ As anti-LGBTQ sentiment and violence continue to be protections. For those who are short on time, donating prevalent in communities across the nation and the world, to LGBTQ organizations and supporting pro-LGBTQ displaying LGBTQ pride and support can send a powerful legislation and policies are great options for making message. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently a difference. Visit glaad.org/resourcelist today to find overturned the Trump administration’s ban on Pride flags diverse LGBTQ nonprofits in need of assistance.● at U.S. embassies and consulates overseas. A growing

insightintodiversity.com 15 SIUE Celebrates the LGBTQIA+ Community SIUE is committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcoming community for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty and staff.

The SIUE Safe Zone encourages a safe environment that is welcoming to all students, staff, faculty and LGBTQIA+ community members.

SIUE’s Campus Pride Index is 4/5 stars • Sexual Orientation Score: 4.5/5 stars • Gender Identity/Expression Score: 4/5 stars • LGBTQ Support and Institutional Commitment: 5/5 stars siue.edu

2020 ® Top Colleges for Diversity “It seemed obvious we would be facing a mental health tsunami” Rochester Institute of Technology: Keeping LGBTQ+ Students Connected

We all had to find ways to adjust during the COVID-19 The new virtual weekly sessions replaced the formal, pandemic and RIT’s Chris Hinesley didn’t miss a beat. structured in-person support groups at the Q Center, He is the Assistant Director for Campus Life-The Q Center co-led with RIT mental health counselors. Feedback from which is a safe space and resource center for LGTBQ+ students was positive and the virtual sessions opened students, faculty and staff. new possibilities to serve students who had never had When the pandemic forced the campus to close this access to Q Center sessions before. past spring, Hinesley opened an avenue to keep students Hinesley says the largest number of attendees came in the LGTBQ+ community connected. He created a from RIT’s Dubai campus. He says for many, the online virtual hangout and support space because he was meetings were their very first opportunities to openly concerned about their mental health. Hinesley says early express their identities. data out of the University of Maryland Prevention Center, “Before we thought about “zoom bombers”, we posted combined with individual student experiences were our program link to social media and our students in alarming. Dubai saw it. They joined the support space even though “LGBTQ+ students reported increased rates of having it was late at night for them. It was just amazing to work to go back into the closet as a result of moving back in with them and learn about the reasons that coming with parents, increased rates of hate speech and racial out is really not an option for them. It really taught us slurs, and of course, the isolation of being queer or trans a lot about serving students who may never be on the was exacerbated by the lockdown. There were also new main RIT campus but whom we can still support. This challenges tied to online learning, such as mismatches is something that we plan to carry forward after the between name-in-use and name now visible on the pandemic is over.” screen or “in the system”, and added difficulty in building The RIT Q Center-”Creating Safe Spaces, Building relationships with faculty or other students, which Allies, Educating the RIT Community.” usually help during gender transition and the coming out process. It seemed obvious we would be facing a mental To learn more about the RIT Q Center, health tsunami.” visit: rit.edu/studentaffairs/qcenter/

2020 ® Top Colleges for Diversity Advancing LGBTQ Rights and Celebrating Triumphs

By INSIGHT Staff

While the fight for LGBTQ rights is far from over, there have been many victories in ensuring protections and equal rights for this population in recent months. Despite the continued pushback against LGBTQ rights, especially the rights of transgender youth, the advancements of LGBTQ leaders, the growing support of allies, and the passage of equal rights legislation give hope for a better tomorrow. Included here are just a few of the advancements for LGBTQ equality that have occurred in recent months.

18 June 2021 Federal Advancement it is inclusive,” a Biden administration universities that receive federal funding of LGBTQ Rights spokesperson said of the decision. to discriminate on the basis of sexual In his short tenure in office, President orientation and gender identity, Standing Up for LGBTQ Rights Joe Biden has taken several steps to according to NBC News. At least 25 at Religious Colleges advance LGBTQ rights. The first faith-based schools have been named in of these steps came when Biden This year, faculty, students, and alumni the lawsuit, including Baylor University, overturned a former President Donald at multiple religious colleges and Liberty University, and Seattle Pacific Trump policy prohibiting transgender universities stood up against alleged University (SPU). individuals from serving in the military. discriminatory practices perpetuated SPU, a private Christian institution, In May, Biden reinstated an Obama- by their schools. also faced LGBTQ-related controversy era policy that ensures LGBTQ people In April 2021, several recent alumni after 72 percent of the school’s faculty are protected against discrimination in of Yeshiva University (YU), a Jewish approved a vote of “no confidence” in the U.S. health care system. A month institution in New York City, filed a the Board of Trustees in late April. The prior, the U.S. Department of Housing lawsuit against the school for its refusal vote came after the board refused to and Urban Development (HUD) to recognize the YU Pride Alliance.— revise or repeal a policy prohibiting the announced it had withdrawn a Trump- an LGBTQ club — as a legitimate hiring of LGBTQ employees. era proposal intended to diminish the student organization. The suit claims Eliminating Conversion Therapy Equal Access Rule, which protects the that YU’s actions violate state anti- rights of LGBTQ individuals in HUD- discrimination laws. A month prior, Over the past year, a handful of funded programs and housing. the nonprofit Religious Exemption states, counties, and municipalities Also in April, the White House Accountability Project (REAP) filed have passed legislation banning the reversed a Trump administration policy a class action lawsuit representing 33 harmful and discredited practice that banned U.S. embassies, the Pentagon, LGBTQ students against the U.S. of conversion therapy. Numerous and military bases from displaying Department of Education. REAP psychology-based organization across the Pride flag. “America is stronger, aims to remove a Title IX exemption the country, including the American at home and around the world, when that allows religious colleges and Counseling Association, the American

ACTIVISM IS MORE THAN AN IDEA. IT’S A CAREER CHOICE.

At Oregon State University, we’re building a path for underrepresented students to create the job they want — one that ignites their drive to do good. The Social Action Works initiative and design space in the College of Liberal Arts provides the support each student needs to merge their major with their interests in public action.

Every person should have the chance to do what they love. Through campuswide discussions, mentor guidance and university professional development programs, we’ll make it happen.

Join the cause at liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/social-action-works.

insightintodiversity.com 19 Psychiatric Association, and the Many local governments have former presidential candidate Pete American Psychological Association, made strides in recent months to Buttigieg became the first openly gay have denounced conversion therapy, eliminate this harmful practice. In Cabinet member to be confirmed or “reparative therapy,” as abusive. May 2021, Lexington, Kentucky and by the U.S. Senate in February of According to the Human Rights the encompassing Fayette County this year. In March, Rachel Levine, Campaign (HRC), conversion therapy passed a ban; two other Kentucky assistant secretary for health in the U.S. can lead to depression, anxiety, drug use, cities, Covington and Louisville, passed Department of Health and Human homelessness, and suicide, especially bans in January 2020. In February Services, became the highest-ranking among minors. 2021, Lincoln, Nebraska became the transgender person to be confirmed In July 2020, Virginia became the first community in its state to outlaw by the Senate. They join a slew of most recent state to ban the practice. conversion therapy. As of this year, LGBTQ leaders and lawmakers who Earlier that year, Utah Governor eight cities in Minnesota have enacted took office in recent months. Gary Herbert signed an executive similar ordinances. To date, at least 70 Levine has said that one of order banning conversion therapy for municipalities and counties across the her priorities as secretary will minors after legislation failed to pass U.S. have banned conversion therapy, be to advocate for the health of through the state senate. At the time of including those in Arizona, Colorado, transgender youth, especially at publication, 20 states and Washington Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, a time when many conservative D.C. have outlawed this form of abuse Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New lawmakers are seeking to deny their for minors (and adults in Washington York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, rights. “I recognize that I may be the D.C.). North Carolina has banned the and Wisconsin. first,” she told The New York Times use of taxpayer money for conversion about her ascension to government, Leadership at Every Level therapy, and Michigan lawmakers “but I am heartened by the knowledge are considering several bills aimed at LGBTQ politicians made amazing that I will not be the last.”● banning the practice. strides in 2020 and 2021. Notably,

At the Isenberg School of Management, allyship EQUITY IN ACTION means prioritizing diversity, University ofMassachusetts Amherst equity, and inclusion in: isenberg.umass.edu/diversity Curriculum advancement such as our new Diversity in Business and Women in Business courses Student-Run Organizations Faculty Research Scholarships Events and Conferences Continuing education opportunities for faculty and staff that build DEI awareness ••

20 June 2021 Did you know that young people who identify as LGBTQ are 40 percent less likely to commit suicide if they have at least one accepting adult in their lives? At Texas A&M University our students, faculty and staff are a family. And that family includes every. single. one of us. That’s why we work to ensure LGBTQ Aggies feel welcomed and supported with our Aggie Allies program. The most outstanding Allies are given the Rainbow Award and this year’s recipient – Professor of Law Brian Larson – is beyond deserving. He supports networking events for LGBTQ law students, serves on the board of directors of the Dallas LGBT Bar Association, and created a continuing legal education session for lawyers focused on the use of gender pronouns. Texas A&M is fortunate to have Professor Larson and all the Aggie Allies on our team because they understand the true meaning of family.

TAMU.EDU Indian Students in the U.S. Grapple with COVID-19 Crisis from Half a World Away By Mariah Stewart and Erik Cliburn

As the COVID-19 pandemic loved ones — even when it comes home who has been in the hospital stretches into its second summer, many time to mourn. with COVID-19 for more than two in the U.S. are enjoying a partial return “Last week, one of my closest weeks. to normalcy thanks to widespread friend’s grandfather passed away, “She still hasn't recovered,” Batliwala vaccine access. and because of the [travel and social says. “I haven't heard from her recently, For students of Indian descent distancing] restrictions, no one could but the last time I heard, she was still studying at American colleges, go and see him,” Parikh says. Her hospitalized, still fighting.” however, any sense of relief at the own grandmother, who survived Batliwala says she is fortunate that pandemic’s decline here has been COVID-19 after contracting it earlier she was already planning to spend replaced with anxiety and grief this year, is now restricted to her the summer in the U.S. rather than for family and friends facing the home, isolated, rather than coming to returning to Surat after her upcoming unrelenting coronavirus surge in the U.S. for Parikh’s upcoming college graduation. Many other Indian India. As of mid-May, the country graduation as planned. students are not so lucky. was reporting nearly 400,000 new “Now my grandmother is all alone “I have had a lot of friends who are infections daily, and the virus had there, caught up in her house. We are also graduating and just planned to go become its leading cause of death. just really worried about her because it back home, but now they can’t. They Tanvi Parikh, an Indian American gets really depressing for her to have to will be staying in the U.S. because of student at the University of stay inside,” explains Parikh. the ban.” Houston (UH), counts her Travel restrictions also mean Among the many challenges facing grandfather and an uncle that some Indian students India is a slow vaccine rollout and among the nation’s 250,000 who had been planning to a national shortage of vital medical COVID-19 death toll. attend college in the U.S. now supplies, including medical oxygen She says the magnitude of have to defer or cancel their and hospital beds. Now, students from the crisis there is nearly plans. “I feel the travel ban India and those of Indian descent are indescribable. was something that had to go ramping up efforts to send crucial “It just brings tears in my Tanvi Parikh into effect because we want aid from afar. The North American eyes because some children to be as safe as possible, but I Association of Indian Students are losing both their mother also understand that a lot of (NAAIS), a newly formed nonprofit and father, leaving them all alone. [students] are suffering,” she says. organization representing more than The most difficult part is [seeing] ads “They have to give up on a full year 800,000 members across the U.S. of children who need to be adopted or semester because of the ban.” and Canada, recently partnered with because they lost both of their parents Rukaiya Batliwala is the Indian Embassy and the to COVID,” says Parikh. another UH senior who is Association of American The travel ban on visitors from spending her final days as Physicians of Indian Origin to India implemented by President Joe an undergraduate worrying launch the Students Against Biden on May 4 has compounded about the catastrophe in COVIDIndia campaign. The the worries faced by Indian students India. Originally from large-scale crowdfunding living in the U.S. While Parikh agrees Surat, a large city in the effort raises money for medical Rukaiya that the ban is necessary, it prevents western state of Gujarat, Batliwala supplies. family members from reuniting with Batliwala has a friend back Lavanya Agarwal, a student

22 June 2021 SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SALEMSALEM STATE STATE UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE IS ONE OF THE MOST DIVERSE ISIS ONE ONE OF OF THETHE MOST DIVERSEDIVERSE STATE UNIVERSITIES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES IN STATE UNIVERSITIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THEMASSACHUSETTS COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS We are a proud and diverse community of students We are a proud and diverse community of students Weand are scholars. a proud Learnand diverse about our community community of atstudents and scholars. Learn about our community at Image courtesy of the North American Association of Indian Students salemstate.edu/salem-state-difference. salemstate.edu/salem-state-difference. andsalemstate.edu/salem-state-difference scholars. Learn about our community. at We look forward to meeting you! We look forward to meeting you! salemstate.edu/salem-state-differenceWe look forward to meeting you! . We look forward to meeting you! at the University of Virginia who is salemstate.edu salemstate.edu originally from New Delhi, is one of the NAAIS volunteers helping with salemstate.edu fundraising efforts. “It’s very sad to hear about everything that's going bad at home and not being able to do much about Lavanya Agarwal it,” Agarwal says. “The work I’ve been doing with NAAIS has made me feel like I'm doing something for my country.” The first phase of the Students Against COVIDIndia campaign launched in late April and was Assistant Professor Positions successful in raising more than $40,000 to purchase 40 in RNA Biosciences at oxygen concentrators for Indian hospitals. More than the University of Michigan 3,000 donors, 450 students, and 45 student clubs and organizations contributed. The second phase of the Application deadline: September 15, 2021 campaign kicked off in mid-May. The University of Michigan (U-M) Center for RNA Biomedi- Agarwal says that a council of international students cine (rna.umich.edu.) welcomes applications from outstand- at her university donated money to support NAAIS ing scientists in any area of RNA research, with particular efforts — something she would like to see replicated emphasis on RNA drug targeting or as medicine, structural at other institutions and the higher education biology of RNA nanomachines, RNA structural in vivo profil- community at large. ing, RNA protein interaction profiling, and in-vivo analysis of “Not only do we want to fundraise,” she says, “but we long non-coding RNA function. The positions are for faculty want to form community and show solidarity so that assistant professors (tenure track). everyone knows that we're in this together.”● Health Women and underrepresented minorities Professions are strongly encouraged to apply. The Mariah Stewart and Erik Cliburn are senior staff writers U-M is supportive of dual careers and is for INSIGHT Into Diversity. To donate to the Students 2020 ® an equal opportunity/affirmative action Against COVIDIndia campaign or learn about other Top Colleges for Diversity employer. ways to help, visit covid.giveindia.com. Information: rna.lsa.umich.edu/facRecruiting/

insightintodiversity.com 23 diversity champion spotlight

24 June 2021

Virginia Commonwealth University Innovates from Within to Fulfill Goal of “Diversity Driving Excellence” By Mariah Bohanon | Photos courtesy of VCU Marketing

Diversity Champions exemplify an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities, across academic programs, and at the highest administrative levels. INSIGHT Into Diversity selected institutions that rank in the top tier of Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipients.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) , frameworks employed by our academic professionals a renowned research institution that is home to nearly engaged in high-impact pedagogies, scholarship and 30,000 students, has become a national leader in practices. We’re committed because we want to ultimately campus diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through advance the university’s mission and goals.” hard work and innovation. Many of VCU’s DEI efforts are the result of cross- The VCU community understands that their DEI campus teamwork among dedicated faculty and mission must go beyond “diversity for the sake of researchers, staff, and students. Its Office of Institutional diversity,” says Aashir Nasim, PhD, vice president of Equity, Effectiveness, and Success and the Division Institutional Equity, Effectiveness, and Success. for Inclusive Excellence have prioritized educational “We believe in diversity driving opportunities that develop DEI principles and social excellence,” Nasim explains. awareness for the entire VCU community. They are also “We’re committed to equity-based proactive in engaging with faculty, staff, and students and principles in policy development and ensuring that every person has their voice heard. implementation, and we’re intentional IExcel Education in how we leverage diversity and inclusion in our everyday practices, IExcel Education provides a range of free DEI courses, Aashir Nasim programs, and procedures. We workshops, seminars, and training for faculty, staff, collaborate in the generation of inclusive students, and community partners. The program was

insightintodiversity.com 25 The Virginia Commonwealth University campus in the Monroe Park neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia.

designed to help VCU community members advance history of slavery. The courses are based on highly far beyond typical compliance training or simply relevant topics, including the role of protest music in learning best practices. bringing about social change, visibility in the LGBTQ “IExcel Education helps faculty, employees, and community, women’s participation in the Black Lives students understand the nuances of diversity and Matter movement, and more. provides actual skills and competencies that help create IExcel Education’s signature offering is the Diversity not just a diverse environment, but a truly inclusive and Inclusion Leadership Certificate program, which one,” says Nasim. “We have courses related to topics is targeted toward senior administrators on campus, such as neurodiversity, gender beyond the binary, or according to Nasim. Participants must complete five implicit bias in health care. We offer seminars and courses, each consisting of eight contact hours across workshops about how to engage in inclusive faculty a four-week period, to earn certification. The program recruitment practices, how to give constructive includes four core classes focused on leadership and feedback, and much more.” DEI and one specialty elective. These electives provide The program offers more than 30 educational pertinent training for leaders across multiple offices opportunities in a variety of formats and timeframes. and units, ranging from health care to pedagogy to Students can attend specialized pop-up courses that corporate culture and beyond. consist of three 90-minute Specific courses for the sessions across consecutive certificate program include weeks. Each course takes IEXCEL POP-UP COURSES Fundamentals of Diversity a unique approach when it and Inclusion, Advancing comes to engaging students in IExcel pop-up courses consist of Diversity and Equity in dynamic learning experiences.— three 90-minute sessions across Corporate Settings, and consecutive weeks. Among the whether that means learning numerous opportunities available are: Bias and Microaggressions. about disability access at a The certificate program also local restaurant or creating #Hashtag Activism offers seminars, training, and digital stories at sites tied to the workshops that cover a variety Hidden Voices: The Women of Black Lives Matter

View from Here: (Dis)ability, Inclusion, and Access 26 June 2021 The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Certificate program provides insights on how leaders can cultivate a culture of inclusion and effectively manage employees and students’ perceptual and psychological processes about difference and diversity. It also provides leaders with illustrative examples and strategies to facilitate meaningful and productive interactions, especially in collaborative and team environments. — VCU.edu

Students meet in Snead Hall, home of the VCU School of Business.

of DEI-related issues. Participants can select from Climatext and Ramalogues such unique options as Combating Health Inequities, Among VCU’s DEI innovations is the Climatext Creating an Age Inclusive Academic Workplace, and program, which allows university officials to check Inclusive Recruitment Practices. in with students and employees regarding campus Each of these educational offerings shares the climate on an ongoing basis. VCU’s Office of Equity, common goal of advancing VCU’s mission of Effectiveness, and Success texts those who enroll in the “diversity driving excellence,” says Nasim. The program with specific questions about how they feel Inclusive Recruitment Practices seminar, for example, regarding current issues such as feeling safe on campus teaches participants about the university’s unique during the pandemic. approach to the recruitment and retention of diverse Individuals sign up voluntarily for the program, and faculty. This approach includes looking at onboarding all answers are anonymous. Recipients can respond using as a two- to three-year process. “We create these very text or emojis, which the university then processes using highly specialized onboarding packages for faculty the “sentiment analysis software” that it created for the that last at least one year and include professional Climatext program, Nasim says. development opportunities,” Nasim explains. The university is able to maintain user privacy “The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Certificate while still sorting responses by demographics and is important because we need our leaders to be characteristics, such as first-generation status, age, race able to set the tone for the climate and culture in and ethnicity, and more, according to VCU webmaster which they oversee and supervise,” Nasim explains. Sam Yerkes. “The reply is anonymized, so we can’t tell Employees who complete this extensive professional exactly who the person is but we can match demographic development program receive a virtual certification information to say, for example, that a senior student that they can add to their CVs, LinkedIn profiles, studying in this specific program and who lives in this and email signatures to show that they have advanced specific residence hall feels very poorly today about competencies and knowledge in DEI. whatever topic,” he explains. As soon as the replies start Developing the IExcel Education program was coming in, VCU is able to begin aggregating the data a year-long endeavor that utilized the expertise of and make correlations about responses. The information multiple parties across the VCU and Richmond is then stored in a database that Nasim and others can community. “We decided to build this program in- use to better understand campus climate, inform their house because we knew that we have considerable decision-making, and more. expertise across faculty, academic support staff, other The technology has been important for staying attuned employees, and our community partners here in to students during the pandemic and for receiving regular Richmond,” Nasim says. His office worked closely with feedback from campus community members. faculty and staff from the VCU Business School, VCU “We collect this real time data and share it with Health System, and more. These experts operated as senior leaders who make policy decisions or make in-house consultants and received stipends for helping decisions about reopening the university, for instance. to develop more than 30 different offerings. So this is a quick way for us to collect data, get a

insightintodiversity.com 27 sense of what students are feeling, and then be able to The Institute for Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation incorporate that information into our policy reforms Another innovative way that VCU facilitates connections or decisions about things like reopening campus or to improve community is through the Institute for expanding remote instruction,” explains Nasim. Inclusion, Inquiry and Innovation (iCubed). The Another, more personal method of engaging with institute links university experts and students with the students and employees regarding DEI issues is local community to apply their knowledge and passion RAMalogues, an IExcel program that brings campus to solving real-world issues and improving quality of life community members together to discuss difficult topics for the residents of Richmond. It focuses on several core related to social identities and lived experiences. The areas, including: discussions typically consist of 12 to 25 participants plus a faculty or staff facilitator. Student and employee sessions • Oral Health Equity are held separately, and they allow participants to share • Intersections in the Lives of LGBTQIA+ how they have been personally affected by pressing issues. Communities Recent sessions have included the following: • Sustainable Food Access • Urban Education and Family • Living and Learning Amid Racism and a Pandemic • Disrupting Criminalization in Education • Me and My People: Ethnicity and Stigma at VCU • Health and Wellness in Aging Populations During a Pandemic • Racial Equity, Arts, and Culture • How Coronavirus Affects Me • Culture, Race, and Health

Left: A student reads a message sent by Climatext on their smartphone. Right: Undergraduate students attend a Spanish class in the VCU Academic Learning Commons.

• Money, Family, Background: What Opens Doors at Faika Zanjani, PhD, is the associate director of VCU? academic programs and research training • Intersectionality: Both…and…100% All of Me for iCubed as well as an associate professor of gerontology in the VCU College of Over the course of the pandemic, many of these Health Professions. She focuses on research discussions were held online and were a crucial way development and community programming for students to maintain connections with the campus for iCubed’s Health and Wellness in Aging community from afar. The sessions serve as an outlet to Populations core and, in her associate share one’s own thoughts and feelings while developing a director role, mentors students in iCubed’s Faika Zanjani collective understanding of others’ experiences, Nasim says. Commonwealth Scholars Program (CSP). “The feedback has been tremendously positive, and The research mentorship program matches students feel a greater sense of community,” he states. undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate

28 June 2021 “ Excellence is impossible without equity.”

Organizations and communities cannot thrive until everyone has access to the essentials of a healthy life. Rodríguez and his team lead University of Utah Health’s efforts to promote equity within itself and in the community. In part, this means achieving health equity and eliminating systemic racism and sexism.

Rodríguez believes that by listening to and learning from patients and others who model allyship we can create positive change and bring about a more equitable world.

José E. Rodríguez, MD, FAAFP Associate Vice President for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

uofuhealth.utah.edu/inclusion

UUH_InsightAd_4.9.21.indd 3 5/12/21 9:26 AM Left: Students celebrate VCU Welcome Week outside of James Branch Cabell Library. Right: VCU School of Nursing students studying on the MCV Campus, home to many of the university’s medical and health care programs.

financial need and have a passion for equity and this messaging is directed at young people, and what inclusion with iCubed faculty and researchers in their messaging is actually aimed at senior citizens tends areas of interest. to only target those who are White. Zanjani’s mentee “We are really interested in supporting students of surveyed local Black senior citizens about the activities high caliber and high need, and that makes our program they liked to participate in as well as some of their health unique,” Zanjani says. Rather than requiring students concerns. The student then used that real-world data to to submit reference letters or applications that contain create an informative poster of healthy activities such as past research experience, CSP selects students based on gardening for local diverse communities. GPA and their passion for equity and inclusion. These “A lot of the students who come into the program requirements are strategic, as low-income students often have never been exposed to research work before, and do not have the professional networks to provide references they say they feel like their world has changed because or have access to research opportunities, Zanjani explains. now they understand the process behind facts and By matching CSP students with iCubed faculty in knowledge,” Zanjani explains. their area of interest, the program provides them with Other universities could learn to emulate programs a combination of mentorship, research experience, and such as iCubed and CSP that connect researchers, the type of productivity that looks impressive on future students, and the community to create a more equitable applications. Students conduct community research and society, she says. “I think [other institutions] may be service alongside their faculty mentors during the one- looking at our model because we’re not just embedding year program and deliver at least one presentation on diversity, inclusion, and equality within our programs their research at VCU conferences or symposia. to check a box,” she says. “Our projects are embedded The students who come into the program may not in diversity and inclusion to actually address health have a specific project or research focus in mind, but disparities and [other issues], and others may see this is iCubed helps them connect with potential interests really a different approach.”● through data collection, analysis, development of projects, and community outreach. Zanjani helped Mariah Bohanon is the senior editor of INSIGHT Into mentor a CSP student who had a vague idea that Diversity. Virginia Commonwealth University is a 2018- she wanted to promote senior health and ultimately 2020 recipient of the INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher decided that health interventions and messaging were Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award and far from inclusive. The student noticed that much of a 2019 and 2020 Diversity Champion.

30 June 2021 Human Connection Our priority, now more than ever.

The past year highlighted our shared desire for connection, candid conversation and a welcoming community that values all members. Even at a distance, Lehigh University’s focus on building an inclusive environment persisted, through thoughtful programming and meaningful discussions. The need for connection won’t change when we’re all together again. Neither does the need for this work.

2020

2019-2020 HEED AWARD RECIPIENT

JOIN US. lehigh.edu/diversity Pandemic Has Surprising Effects on Diversity in Elite College Admissions By Lisa O’Malley and Mariah Bohanon

Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York.

32 June 2021 After more than a year of declining enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities, some higher education institutions are seeing an admissions boom.

Common App, which operates an the difficulty of scheduling in-person allowed the university to increase its online application portal for more exams. Consequently, more students student diversity. More than half, or than 900 institutions, reported in set their sights on schools that would 55 percent, of the class of 2025 are March that the number of students normally only accept applicants students of color compared with 36 applying to start college in fall 2021 from the highest tiers of ACT and percent for the class of 2024. Nearly had increased 2 percent from the SAT scorers. Less than half.— or 46 20 percent are first generation, and 69 previous year. While such growth percent — of applications submitted percent intend to apply for financial may seem miniscule, a breakdown of through the Common App portal aid, according to Clark. the data reveals that the COVID-19 included entrance exam results this “In a year when the pandemic has pandemic has had some surprising — year compared with 77 percent impacted the finances of students and possibly long-lasting — effects on last year. First-generation, low- and families across the globe, the higher education admissions. income, and racially and ethnically potential for financial aid that meets Notably, students are submitting underrepresented students were more full demonstrated need may have applications to a greater number of likely than other applicants to omit been a prominent factor for many in schools than in the past. Colleges these scores. considering where to apply,” he says. and universities using the Common Ivy League institutions that have Clark also credits the rise in App portal have reported an increase test-optional policies as well as the applications to Brown’s pivot to of 11 percent in application volume, financial capacity to support low- and virtual recruiting strategies during with more selective institutions middle-income students have seen the pandemic, which allowed the experiencing the greatest growth some of the most significant rise in school to reach more students and to in student interest, especially from applications. Brown University, which increase geographic diversity. Online underrepresented groups. Large, did not require entrance exams this recruitment efforts included virtual highly selective, private institutions year and provides full funding for information sessions and live tours experienced a 20 percent rise in students with demonstrated need, guided by current students. applications from first-generation experienced a 27 percent spike in Cornell University, a fellow Ivy students and a 24 percent increase applications for the 2021-2022 League institution that adopted from racially and ethnically academic year. test-optional admissions during the underrepresented students. By “We’ve seen a generally upward pandemic, has experienced an even comparison, less selective private trend in applications for the greater spike in applications. Nearly institutions of similar size experienced undergraduate class in recent years, 67,400 students applied for fall 2021.— a decrease of 4 percent in first- but the marked increase this year a 31 percent increase from fall 2020 and generation applicants and only a is largely a result of the pandemic’s a 37 percent increase from fall 2019. 2 percent increase in racially or effect on high school students and Shawn Felton, executive director of ethnically underrepresented students, the admission process,” says Brian E. undergraduate admissions, attributes according to a March report. Clark, a spokesman for the university. such drastic growth in part to the Experts attribute this trend in part The surge in student interest university’s support for low- and to the fact that nearly 600 colleges means that Brown, one of the nation’s middle-income students. Cornell is and universities eliminated ACT most selective institutions, accepted one of the largest U.S. institutions to and SAT requirements during the only 5.04 percent of applicants for conduct need-blind admissions and to pandemic. Test-optional admissions the incoming class of 2025 — a meet 100 percent of students’ financial policies have become more popular in nearly 3 percent decline from the needs. “Many staff members have recent years, and many schools chose previous year. Yet having a larger, worked additional time and overtime to go this route in 2020-2021 due to more diverse applicant pool has [this year] to make sure we could

insightintodiversity.com 33 Less than half — or 46 percent — of applications submitted through the Common App portal included entrance exam results this year compared with 77 percent of applications last year.

Cornell University students on campus.

thoughtfully and thoroughly review all applicants and beyond. The University of California, Los applications and provide need-based “I think we are hoping to look at all Angeles (UCLA), a top-ranked public financial aid awards to our newly the data we will have collected over university with an enrollment size of admitted students,” Felton explains. these last two years and also consider 31,500, saw several historic gains in In lieu of entrance exam scores, the the broader admissions landscape while diverse admissions this year. UCLA university gave greater consideration thinking critically about the information received nearly 30 percent more to other areas of student success. we want and need in order to select the applications for fall 2021 compared According to Felton, Cornell first-year class,” Felton explains. with the year prior, with increases of admissions staff focused on transcripts, Ivy Leagues are not the only elite 48 percent in Black applicants and letters of recommendation from high institutions to see a rise in popularity. 33 percent in Chicano and Latinx school counselors and teachers, and Top-ranking institutions ranging applicants. In addition, Pacific Islander student essays. from small liberal arts colleges to large first year applicants grew 34 percent, The university does not yet have public universities have also seen an and Native American applicants demographic information for the class increase in the overall number and the increased by 16 percent. of 2025, but according to Felton, it is diversity of applicants. UCLA instituted a test-optional evident that the applicant pool this Grinnell College, a private liberal admissions policy during the year was more diverse than in the arts institution with an enrollment pandemic that it plans to maintain past. First-year students of color and of 1,700 students, received 10,040 until 2024. Without ACT or SAT those from foreign countries were two applications this year compared with scores, the university now conducts groups that saw notable increases. 8,000 the year prior. The rural Iowa a comprehensive review of 13 “Although we will be looking school eliminated entrance exam factors, including GPA, academic into exactly how the application requirements during the pandemic performance in light of a student’s pool changed this year, per our and introduced a new diversity life circumstances, unique talents change in admissions test policy recruitment effort, the Laurel such as athletic or artistic skills, and and our expanded online and virtual Scholarship and Mentorship program, achievements in special projects. engagement opportunities, we do that offers college preparation The school has received national already know that the applicant pool and full-tuition funding for Black recognition for its economic diversity and for fall 2021 was more diverse in any students from the Chicago area. for growing socioeconomic mobility, and number of ways,” says Felton. Cornell Grinnell’s incoming class of 2025 is spokesman Ricardo Vasquez attributes will continue its test optional policy projected to be 30 percent students this continued success to the university’s during next year’s admissions cycle of color — a significant increase for approach to diverse recruitment. for fall 2022 first-year applicants, but the predominantly White institution. “The significant increases in the university has not yet made any Only 23 percent of students admitted applications from underrepresented definitive plans regarding entrance in 2019 were from underrepresented students are partly the result of exam requirements for fall 2023 racial and ethnic backgrounds. our robust outreach efforts and our

34 June 2021 The LGBTQ Faculty & Staff Association welcomes and affirms all members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer communities. Through shared governance at UC, we strive to advocate for the visibility and voice 2020 ® for all who identify within the LGBTQ Top Colleges for Diversity spectrum.

Our goal is to create an inclusive environment that values LGBTQ faculty and staff as an essential component of UC’s diverse community.

Learn more at UC.EDU.

Insight into Diversity Ad.indd 1 2/8/21 11:23 AM “The future of our partnerships with high schools and community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, democracy depends particularly in underserved communities,” Vasquez says. “The future of In addition, UCLA oversees the Center for Community upon our ability to College Partnerships, which works to establish academic our democracy partnerships with local community colleges that serve create inclusive and large populations of disadvantaged students. By fostering equitable communities relationships with administrators and helping to diversify depends upon curricula at these colleges, UCLA has been able to bolster to which everyone is the diversity of its transfer applicant pool — which saw a our ability to 10 percent increase this year. invited to contribute their The university may see even greater diversity in the Leading the Way on Anti-Racism near future due to upcoming changes in its entrance exam createideas, gifts inclusive and policies. The University of California system, including UCLA, announced in May it will develop its own The world is changing before our very eyes. This reality requires • Pandemic Health Disparities Fund. With an investment of enthusiasms.” standardized test to replace the ACT and SAT by 2025. us to continually reevaluate how we live up to the principles of $1 million from the Office of the President, the fund focuses and equitable As of April 28, more than 1,400 colleges and diversity, equity, and inclusion. For decades, Indiana University on a broad range of wellness needs for students on all IU Valerie Smith, President of universities have stated they will not require ACT or SAT has been at the forefront of this work, striving for a learning campuses, especially COVID-19’s impact on African American communities to scores in 2022, according to FairTest: the National Center environment to benefit people from all backgrounds. and Hispanic communities. Swarthmore College for Fair & Open Testing. For critics of standardized tests, the transition is Protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by • HRSA grant to IU School of Medicine. The IU School long overdue. Research from as early as the 1990s has Minneapolis police and the disproportionate impact of Medicine was recently awarded a $7 million grant by which everyoneINCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE shown that a student’s high school GPA is a more of COVID-19 on Black Americans have renewed critical the Health Resources and Services Administration to help is invited to accurate predictor of college success than SAT or ACT conversations about structural inequities in this country. It also the school educate medical students to better care for test scores. In fact, each incremental increase in GPA serves as a powerful reminder of why colleges and universities underserved populations. This grant is aimed directly at is associated with an increase in the odds of graduating must condemn intolerance and racism and do everything making the IU School of Medicine a leader in eliminating from college, according to a 2020 study in the journal contribute their possible to ensure campuses remain places where differences health care disparities. Educational Researcher. are respected, valued, and protected. • Renaming of building. Indiana University has renamed

ideas,EXCELLENCE gifts and Furthermore, the study found that colleges that have INCLUSIVE INCLUSIVE test-optional policies have experienced up to a 4 percent Indiana University adamantly believes that the opportunity a Bloomington campus gymnasium named after a former increase in Pell Grant recipients, a 12 percent increase in to live and work in a world that builds upon the contributions trustee, Ora Wildermuth, who was against racial integration.

first-time underrepresented students, and an 8 percent The building is renamed for legendary IU basketball player enthusiasms.”College Swarthmore of everyone is not just a privilege but a right of life. This belief

increase in first-generation students.

is why we are leading the way Bill Garrett, honoring his contributions to the integration of Valerie Smith, President of of President Smith, Valerie However, while test-optional policies and targeted on anti-racist work in higher athletics and the university. Valerie Smith, President recruitment have increased diversity at some of the nation’s

most prominent colleges, there is still a long way to go in education, putting words into • Police Chief Community Advisory Board. Designed to of Swarthmore College enthusiasms.” ensuring that higher education admissions are equitable. action by creating and funding serve as a resource and connection between an Indiana

Though the increase in applications this year has helped initiatives that support University Police Department campus division and the

ideas, gifts and and gifts ideas, create more diversity at elite institutions, it has also made racial justice research, explore students, faculty, staff and the communities the division

admissions more competitive. Nearly one in five high

invited to contribute their contribute to invited issues of racial equity, and raise serves, the Police Chief Community Advisory Board has four

school seniors who applied to college for fall 2021 say they awareness about equality for all. strategic objectives: awareness, communications, monitoring,

to which everyone is is everyone which to have been waitlisted by at least one institution; 29 percent and reporting.

of waitlisted seniors are students of color. On this front, IU has taken significant steps to address social equitable communities communities equitable Many education experts say that the current admissions injustice and promote an anti-racist agenda. This work • University diversity programs and policies. This work

cycle reveals how eliminating standardized testing during the includes: involves a thorough assessment of all diversity, inclusion,

inclusive and and inclusive create create pandemic could have positive effects when it comes to creating and inclusive excellence efforts and programs via diversity • Racial Justice Research Fund. Jointly supported by

a more equitable and effective higher education system. mappings across all campuses.

INCLUSIVE to ability our upon Jenny Rickard, Common App’s president and chief executive, the offices of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and

recently told The Boston Globe that now is the time “for the Multicultural Affairs James Wimbush and the Vice President “Now is the time to stand up for what is good and right. Higher democracy democracy

depends depends more selective institutions to impact social mobility in the for Research Fred Cate, this fund provides grants for IU education, in particular, has a special obligation to do so. We

EXCELLENCE ● “The future of our our of future “The way that they have been striving to do. This is the year.” faculty, connects researchers, hosts an ongoing “Racial believe Indiana University’s anti-racist agenda will be a key Justice Research Workshop” series, and much more. driver of our institution’s success against racism. It is a way Lisa O’Malley is the assistant editor and Mariah Bohanon is of thinking about Indiana University’s approach to addressing the senior editor of INSIGHT Into Diversity. racism—and one that describes how we do business, how we educate, and how we advance IU’s culture of belonging,” says IU’s James Wimbush. 36 June 2021 Visit antiracist.iu.edu to learn more. Leading the Way on Anti-Racism

The world is changing before our very eyes. This reality requires • Pandemic Health Disparities Fund. With an investment of us to continually reevaluate how we live up to the principles of $1 million from the Office of the President, the fund focuses diversity, equity, and inclusion. For decades, Indiana University on a broad range of wellness needs for students on all IU has been at the forefront of this work, striving for a learning campuses, especially COVID-19’s impact on African American environment to benefit people from all backgrounds. and Hispanic communities. Protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by • HRSA grant to IU School of Medicine. The IU School Minneapolis police and the disproportionate impact of Medicine was recently awarded a $7 million grant by of COVID-19 on Black Americans have renewed critical the Health Resources and Services Administration to help conversations about structural inequities in this country. It also the school educate medical students to better care for serves as a powerful reminder of why colleges and universities underserved populations. This grant is aimed directly at must condemn intolerance and racism and do everything making the IU School of Medicine a leader in eliminating possible to ensure campuses remain places where differences health care disparities. are respected, valued, and protected. • Renaming of building. Indiana University has renamed Indiana University adamantly believes that the opportunity a Bloomington campus gymnasium named after a former to live and work in a world that builds upon the contributions trustee, Ora Wildermuth, who was against racial integration. of everyone is not just a privilege but a right of life. This belief The building is renamed for legendary IU basketball player is why we are leading the way Bill Garrett, honoring his contributions to the integration of on anti-racist work in higher athletics and the university. education, putting words into • Police Chief Community Advisory Board. Designed to action by creating and funding serve as a resource and connection between an Indiana initiatives that support University Police Department campus division and the racial justice research, explore 2020 ® students, faculty, staff and the communities the division issues of racial equity, and raise Top Colleges for Diversity serves, the Police Chief Community Advisory Board has four awareness about equality for all. strategic objectives: awareness, communications, monitoring, On this front, IU has taken significant steps to address social and reporting. injustice and promote an anti-racist agenda. This work • University diversity programs and policies. This work includes: involves a thorough assessment of all diversity, inclusion, and inclusive excellence efforts and programs via diversity • Racial Justice Research Fund. Jointly supported by mappings across all campuses. the offices of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs James Wimbush and the Vice President “Now is the time to stand up for what is good and right. Higher for Research Fred Cate, this fund provides grants for IU education, in particular, has a special obligation to do so. We faculty, connects researchers, hosts an ongoing “Racial believe Indiana University’s anti-racist agenda will be a key Justice Research Workshop” series, and much more. driver of our institution’s success against racism. It is a way of thinking about Indiana University’s approach to addressing racism—and one that describes how we do business, how we educate, and how we advance IU’s culture of belonging,” says IU’s James Wimbush. Visit antiracist.iu.edu to learn more. The Equity Debate in College Sports Goes Beyond Financial Compensation

By Erik Cliburn

For years there has been near- sports, according to a 2020 NCAA (DI) players responded that they constant debate surrounding student- report. For women’s basketball, the are at least “somewhat likely” to athlete exploitation within the National odds are less than 1 in 100, with only play professionally or compete in Collegiate Athletics Association 0.8 percent of players turning pro. the Olympics. The largest disparity (NCAA), which generates more than Men’s basketball players fare slightly between reality and expectations $1 billion in revenue annually. While better, with 1.2 percent of college existed among men’s basketball and this dispute often centers on the issue athletes moving up to the professional hockey players, with three out of of financial compensation for amateur ranks. College football, in which four reporting that they are at least athletes, a number of experts point 1.6 percent of players make it to the somewhat likely to play professionally. out that one of the NCAA’s greatest NFL, offers some of the best odds for Approximately seven in 10 players obligations to players, especially those achieving the dream of a post-college surveyed within the DI Football Bowl who come from communities of color sports career. Subdivision responded that they are and low-income households, should Unfortunately, many student- at least somewhat likely to go pro. be ensuring they are prepared for a athletes have aspirations that far from Despite efforts by the NCAA and future that may not include a lucrative reflect this reality. colleges to curb students’ expectations professional sports career. According to a 2019 NCAA survey in recent years, this figure is actually Fewer than 2 percent of all college of more than 22,000 student-athletes, 12 percent higher than the number of athletes will go on to play professional a significant number of Division I DI football players in a 2011 survey

38 June 2021 who said they were likely to go pro. former student-athletes were between According to Weaver, one of the Aspirations of having a career in 8 and 9 percent more likely to thrive in greatest detriments to student-athlete sports are largely shaped by the media several areas of well-being, including success is the sheer amount of time and can be extremely detrimental social and physical wellness. They that players are required to devote to to those who do not make it into were 1 percent more likely to thrive their sport rather than academics or professional leagues, according to in financial well-being compared with other extracurriculars. Dedicating most a 2018 study by Shaun Harper, a non-student-athletes. The report does of their time and energy to athletics leading scholar on diversity, equity, and not account for race or ethnicity. leaves few opportunities to connect inclusion at the University of Southern Karen Weaver, EdD, is an adjunct with professors or potential mentors California Marshall School of Business. associate professor in Higher Education outside of athletics who can help them Media influence and pressure to Management at the University of explore career paths and guide them play professionally are especially Pennsylvania and host of the Trustees toward success off the court or field, she strong for Black men, who are vastly and Presidents - Opportunities and recently told INSIGHT. overrepresented in college sports, Harper writes in the study. Across 65 universities, this demographic totaled 55 percent of players on football teams Across 65 universities, Black men totaled and 56 percent of men’s basketball teams while representing only 2.4 55 percent of football teams and 56 percent of the total undergraduate percent of men’s basketball teams while enrollment. representing only 2.4 percent of the total “Perhaps nowhere in higher education is the disenfranchisement undergraduate enrollment. of Black male students more insidious than in college athletics,” Harper writes. While it may appear that athletics is offering this underserved demographic a much-needed path to college degrees, Black male athletes were actually less likely to graduate than Black men who did not play sports at 60 percent of the universities in Harper’s study. Overall, African American student-athletes graduated at a rate 5 percent lower than other Black students and 21 percent lower than all students. “I advise Black male student-athletes and their families to resist the seductive lure of choosing a university because it appears to be a promising gateway Challenges in Intercollegiate Athletics Furthermore, coaches have lobbied to careers in professional sports. It can podcast, which focuses on the oversight the NCAA for the right to greater be for a very small number of student- of college sports. In a recent article in demands on student-athletes’ time, athletes, but not for the overwhelming Forbes magazine, she states that much which often leaves few windows majority,” the study states. of the NCAA’s assumptions about available for jobs, service learning, and A 2016 Gallup-Purdue Index Report college graduates “are crafted through other real-world experiences that are commissioned by the NCAA, however, the lens of White privilege.” increasingly important in competitive counters the notion that student- “Living the American dream of job markets. athletes are at a disadvantage when it earning a college degree is pitched to “Unless there is a real understanding comes to post-graduation prospects. A promising high school [B]lack athletes. that it’s okay for an athlete to step survey of 1,671 former college players First-generation players come to campus away from their program for, let’s who graduated between 1970 and 2014 with the expectations that coaches and say, an entire semester to go work found that 65 percent have full-time support staff would take care of them; somewhere and miss out on all the jobs compared with 63 percent of non- in return, a degree all but guarantees training opportunities, then the athlete athletes who graduated from the same them immediate employment in a stable can experience something we call ‘role institutions. The report also found that workplace,” she writes. conflict,’ where they feel torn,” Weaver

insightintodiversity.com 39 important than athletic performance for the vast majority of players. This LIFE AFTER Sports guidance is in the students’ best interest financially and emotionally when it A lackluster undergraduate education combined with the realization comes time to graduate. that they won’t play professionally can cause a state of shock for many student-athletes, says Karen Weaver, EdD, an adjunct associate professor “The end of a sports career can be a in Higher Education Management at the University of Pennsylvania and pretty traumatic experience,” Williams host of the Trustees and Presidents - Opportunities and Challenges says. “You’re essentially losing a part of in Intercollegiate Athletics podcast. That moment of realization often your identity, and it can cause anxiety, comes during the athletes’ senior year when they notice that their team is stress, and even depression. There focusing more on younger players, she says. is a lot of uncertainty and questions “They look at you and say, ‘Okay, what’s next? I’ve spent all my energies in surrounding your own self-worth.” this process for the last five years. My family has hoped that I would go pro College graduation can often result [and] now this isn’t necessarily going to come true. So what’s next?’ That is in an identity crisis for those student- a hard question to answer,” says Weaver. athletes who have devoted much of their life to a sport, says Williams. This issue is significantly compounded for those who were banking on playing explains. “They think ‘What am I weight training, and more, according professionally and were hoping that supposed to do here, miss my allegiance to Collin Williams Jr., PhD, the senior sports could lift them out of poverty. to my team or my future?’” director of curriculum at the Ross In his book The Miseducation Due to overscheduling, student- Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), of the Student Athlete: How to Fix athletes are less likely to pursue a nonprofit dedicated to empowering College Sports, Williams and co- internships, especially paid internships, the athletics community to fight racial author Kenneth Shropshire present which are highly sought after by discrimination and promote social a number of potential solutions to employers, explains Weaver. justice. Players, especially those with improve overall outcomes for college Recent research from the National guaranteed scholarships, often face players. They suggest that the NCAA Association of Colleges and Employers pressure to attend additional non- and colleges take steps to actually (NACE) shows that women student- mandatory practices and events in order enforce limits on the amount of time athletes were 6 percent less likely and to prove they are committed to the that students can spend each week men student-athletes were 17 percent team, he says. on team-related activities. Student- less likely to work as interns compared Williams agrees with Weaver that athletes should also receive adequate with college students overall. One in these time constraints rob student- career guidance so that they can select five student-athletes reported that their athletes of the opportunity to forge a meaningful degree that interests athletic obligations prevented them potential connections and develop them and will help them succeed. from pursuing such opportunities. Yet “navigational skills” such as networking Colleges should consider, for example, NACE data shows that individuals who and drafting résumés, he says. When that their sports teams offer a great complete paid internships are more it comes to entering the job market, opportunity to establish pipelines of than twice as likely to have accepted former players have expressed diverse professionals who work in the a job by graduation than those who resentment when they realize they sports industry in roles other than as had unpaid internships or no intern were underprepared for life outside of an athlete. experience. Graduates who have this professional sports. Addressing the problem of student- experience are also more likely to start “I’ve had Black student-athletes athlete success head-on is necessary to at higher tiers in the workplace and tell me that there was deception and fulfill the promise of providing these have significantly larger starting salaries that they felt lied to, or they will turn individuals with an equitable education, than their peers. it on themselves and say, ‘I wish I Williams says. While college players are required would have known,’ because now they “We have to think more creatively,” to maintain certain GPAs in order to don’t have those navigational tools,” he says, “and view this through a participate in their sport and, of course, Williams explains. solutions-oriented lens.”● to graduate, Weaver asserts that a degree It is important for institutions is only part of the equation when it to present student-athletes with Erik Cliburn is a senior staff writer for comes to ensuring post-graduation pathways to careers without crushing INSIGHT Into Diversity. success and upward mobility. their dreams of playing professionally, Student-athletes in high intensity he says. Ultimately, the NCAA Learn more about the lives of former programs often commit nearly 35 hours and universities must reinforce that college athletes in the next issue of per week to their sport for practice, academic performance is far more INSIGHT Into Diversity.

40 June 2021 A CAREER CENTERED IN HUMANITY

A career at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) means more. We teach our students to treat the whole person, looking beyond just symptoms. PCOM students engage with the community and learn to collaborate as part of a healthcare team to give the best care. PCOM recognizes the need for recruiting diverse faculty and staff we dedicate efforts to close the health disparity gap. The PCOM community cultivates an environment of inquiry, inclusiveness and respect; one that promotes discovery and celebration of our differences, and fosters an appreciation of the rich social fabric that binds us together.

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Chase Glenn Willette Burnham-Williams, Ph.D. Director of LGBTQ+ Health Services Chief Equity Officer & Enterprise Resources MUSC elevates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

MUSC welcomes Chase Glenn as the inaugural director of LGBTQ+ Health Services & Enterprise Resources. Reporting to MUSC’s chief equity officer, Willette Burnham-Williams, Ph.D. Glenn will focus on eliminating care disparities and elevating services and resources for LGBTQ+ patients and their families. Through our new strategic plan, OneMUSC, we aim to become the preeminent model for comprehensive inclusion and equity. Burnham-Williams and Glenn are committed to the equitable integration of services and resources that enhance LGBTQ+ health care, education and awareness across MUSC’s missions. www.musc.edu/dei SPECIAL REPORT: Schools of Social and Behavioral Sciences

AIR Partnership Program Seeks to Increase Diversity in Behavioral and Social Science Research Fields

The American Institutes for Research opportunities with AIR’s leaders and program that pairs students with world (AIR) announced it will be ramping up internal experts. Topics covered in the renowned experts in the BSSR fields. its Pipeline Partnership Program this initiative include research methodology “This signature initiative is an summer after the initiative was delayed and design, education policy, workforce extension of our ongoing efforts to by the COVID-19 pandemic. development, and more. build cultural competence within Created in 2020, the program is Although the program’s initial AIR and the [BSSR] field,” said AIR aimed at increasing diversity in the launch last year was hindered by the President and CEO David Myers in behavioral and social science research pandemic, AIR was able to transition a news release. “Our collaboration (BSSR) fields by engaging with several events into virtual seminars with these institutions offers students graduate students from Minority- and workshops that introduced the opportunity to explore careers in Serving Institutions, according to a students to preeminent scholars and research and practice. We are excited news release. provided information about future to co-create opportunities for students Through the pipeline program, opportunities in the field. AIR will to apply their learning through students from three partner also host more events this summer, internships and mentorships, further institutions.— Georgia State University, including a virtual seminar on cultural empowering them to be the researchers the University of Texas at San Antonio, and linguistic competency in survey of tomorrow.”● and Howard University — are provided design methodology. In addition, AIR training, internships, and mentoring will expand its P3 Engage mentoring

Psychology Professor’s Research Could Change the Way We Understand Bias in Children

The National Science Foundation Barbara’s news website The Current. The ultimate goal is to see if babies (NSF) recently awarded funding to a Learning to distinguish differences and young children “use group cues University of California, Santa Barbara between people is important for the of race and language to categorize psychologist whose research could help development of the brain from infancy, people, and whether that usage changes prevent the development of bias and but it is this same type of categorical with the differences in diversity in stereotyping in children. thinking that can lead children to their communities,” according to The Zoe Liberman, an associate professor believe that all members of a certain Current. Liberman’s research may of developmental, evolutionary, and group “are presumed to have the same be able to answer the question, for social psychology, won an Early unfavorable characteristics,” she stated. instance, of whether babies living in CAREER Award from the NSF Liberman’s new research will multilingual communities develop to support an upcoming research test whether exposing children to a a bias against speakers of other project on how being exposed to broad array of diversity prevents or languages.— a bias which can begin to diverse communities affects the way diminishes the development of such develop extremely early in life. that children perceive people whose beliefs. Her work will involve creating If her research does reveal that sociocultural identities are different a measure of diversity exposure to be exposure to greater diversity reduces from their own. used when assessing U.S. census data the development of bias, Liberman says Social categorization, or the about the demographic makeup of next steps would be to “figure out ways process of distinguishing other neighborhoods. She will also use this to give kids these kinds of experiences, people based on characteristics such measure when assessing the diversity and if that would have long lasting as gender or race, begins early in a of a child’s social network, based on effects on the development of bias,” child’s life, Liberman told UC Santa information from parental surveys. according to The Current.●

44 June 2021 Opportunity brings outcomes Clemson University Men of Color National Summit November 4-5, 2021 Greenville Convention Center Greenville, S.C.

For five years, Clemson University and theMen of Color National Summit have made it their mission to show young African American and Hispanic men that graduation from high school and college is closer than they think. The summit offers these young men a chance to learn — from business 2020 ® owners, community leaders, accomplished athletes and academic Top Colleges for Diversity mentors — that education is the key to success at every level and that the opportunity gap will shrink as their goals grow. National Media Sponsor Registration for the Men of Color National Summit is now open. Visit clemson.edu/menofcolor for registration information, hotel accommodations, speaker lineup and more. clemson.edu/menofcolor SPECIAL REPORT: Schools of Social and Behavioral Sciences

WashU Creates Diverse Sociology Department from the Ground Up

By Lisa O’Malley

As a field dedicated to understanding human differences.— and how we treat others based on those differences.— sociology is a crucial academic discipline for comprehending the history of racism. As in all disciplines, however, cultivating diversity in sociology faculty is imperative if the field is to accurately represent the societies that it studies. The Department of Sociology at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is one example of diverse faculty coming together to implement real, visible change. Formed in 2015, it is one of the most racially diverse (From left) Professors David Cunningham, Adia Harvey Wingfield, and Jake Rosenfeld have spent the last six years shaping the sociology department at Washington in the country, with nearly half of its University in St. Louis into one of the most diverse academic programs in the nation. full-time faculty members identifying Photo courtesy of James Byard at Washington University as people of color. This level of diversity is due to the intentional and collaborative efforts of departmental However, the department’s ascent critical lack to not have a sociology and university leadership, especially to eminence hit a blockade when department of people who could think that of Adia Harvey Wingfield, PhD, conflicts between faculty and about the societal implications of what the department’s associate dean for university administrators arose in happened,” Wingfield, who is Black, faculty development and the Mary the late 1960s, eventually leading to says of the shooting and its aftermath. Tileston Hemenway Professor of Arts a number of professors taking their WashU brought on Wingfield and & Sciences. leave. It eventually fell into decline two other founding faculty members, To understand how WashU and was disbanded in 1991. both of whom were White men, to was able to establish a DEI- It was not until 2014 that oversee the department’s formation. centered department from WashU announced it would During her first year, Wingfield set the ground up, it is important rebuild with a new focus out to ensure future appointments to understand the history of on diversity to reflect the would include more people of color. sociology at the university. demographics of St. Louis, Fortunately, she says, her colleagues Noted professor Roger which at the time had a were just as eager about meeting this Baldwin, who later founded Adia Harvey population that was more than goal as she was. Wingfield the American Civil Liberties 50 percent people of color. In This support from White Union, began teaching the addition, the area had just been colleagues was critical to the success first sociology classes at WashU in the site of massive Black Lives Matter of the department’s diversification 1906. The department developed a protests following the police shooting efforts, according to Wingfield, prestigious reputation in the early of Black teenager Michael Brown in who published a book in 2019 titled twentieth century as it appointed the nearby city of Ferguson. The outcry Flatlining: Race, Work, and Health Care more preeminent scholars in the in response to Brown’s murder was still in the New Economy that examined field, including two professors who fresh on the minds of university leaders. “racial outsourcing,” or the practice went on to serve as presidents for the “I think that underscored for of organizations placing the sole American Sociological Association. the university that it was really a burden of DEI efforts on racially

46 June 2021 Graduate School FORDHAM of Social Service underrepresented employees. seminars, and other events that focus Racial outsourcing usually occurs on the experiences of people of color when organizations claim they want and further amplify their voices. In to diversify but do not commit the addition, it offers a variety of classes resources to make that a reality, dedicated to social justice issues, such Wingfield explains. WashU, however, as “The Roots of Ferguson,” which supported the sociology department’s examines the relationship between DEI goals by providing tenure funding, race and the criminal justice system in competitive retention packages, and the U.S. Wingfield and her colleagues other financial resources to attract work to ensure that the work of highly qualified faculty of color. notable sociologists of color, such In addition, the department chose to as W.E.B. DuBois and Anna Julia post open positions outside of typical Cooper, are included in the curricula. advertisement avenues that would Through these various efforts, most likely result in predominantly WashU’s sociology department White applicants. Instead, Wingfield has been able to hire a new faculty and her colleagues took a proactive member of color every year since it approach and contacted candidates began rebuilding six years ago. of color directly to encourage Sociologists at other schools, them to apply. They also reached including the University of out to professional associations Massachusetts at Amherst and If you're ready to and organizations that have large the University of Toronto, have numbers of racially and ethnically taken notice. Employees at these change the world, underrepresented members. institutions have contacted Wingfield Although these methods resulted and her colleagues to learn more we're here to help. in plenty of candidates, convincing about their success. people to join such a young When responding to such inquiries, department was a challenge. Wingfield emphasizes how crucial it “We have done a lot of work to is to have the support of university highlight for people how not having a leaders and one’s own colleagues. FUTURE-FOCUSED CURRICULUM long history is actually an opportunity She also highlights the importance WITH ADVANCED, INTEGRATED PRACTICE in a lot of ways to not be bound of institutional culture and the DEI Bachelor of Arts in Social Work by many of the constraints that a messages that are conveyed in classes, Top-Ranked MSW Program long historical precedent can offer,” research, and extracurricular activities. Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Wingfield says. She also emphasized By deliberately including content to new hires that each of them would that touches on important racial have an integral role in shaping the issues in all facets of a department’s FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE new department. Establishing this curricula, leaders can promote being On-campus & Online classes available culture of collaboration has proven “color-conscious” as opposed to being crucial to not only bringing on new colorblind. THREE CONVENIENT CAMPUS faculty but retaining them as well. Wingfield says she hopes to LOCATIONS “One of the things that we’ve see more universities and colleges Manhattan also been really intentional about is prioritize racial issues and diversity in Westchester making sure that we are a department their sociology departments. Long Island that’s collegial, where everyone’s voice “If we don’t have departments, is welcome, and where everybody universities, organizations, and has an opportunity to be part of workspaces that reflect [diversity],” she department functions and decisions,” says, “then we aren’t really equipped to says Wingfield. serve the communities that we engage When every person is able to weigh very effectively.”● BE THE FUTURE in when it comes to decision making, faculty of color are more likely to feel Lisa O’Malley is the assistant editor of BE THE CHANGE seen and represented, she explains. INSIGHT Into Diversity. The department has also prioritized inclusive course content, research, Learn more: Fordham.edu/gss

insightintodiversity.com 47 SPECIAL REPORT: Schools of Social and Behavioral Sciences Unique Social and Behavioral Research Centers Investigate Society’s Most Pressing Issues

By INSIGHT Staff

Research in the fields of social and behavioral science can have Bedari Kindness Institute at the tremendous influence on legislation, University of California, Los Angeles spark meaningful conversations, and ultimately lead to a more inclusive In 2019, the University of California, Los Angeles College of Social Sciences and equitable society. At colleges and opened the world’s first research center dedicated to the study of kindness. The Bedari Kindness Institute (BKI) has a multipronged approach; scholars universities across the country, diverse examine the science of kindness while also promoting its practical scholars from a multitude of disciplines applications to promote a work with colleagues to explore society’s more humane society. most pressing issues through the Since its founding, the support of specialized research centers. center has supported 11 faculty research projects These centers focus on crucial that touch on such topics such as the recent rise in racial diverse topics as treating violence toward Asian American and mental illness, reducing Pacific Islanders (AAPI), producing weight-based stigma, research that has gone on to shape promoting compassionate care in long-term care public discourse and policies related to facilities, and training AAPI hate crimes. Others are devoted physicians to handle to better understanding innovative challenging patient subjects such as spatial justice and interactions. BKI also communitarianism. participates in and hosts multiple events to educate the public about treating themselves and Included here are some unique others with kindness. It recently co-sponsored an event titled “We Are social and behavioral research centers the Leaders: Transforming Self and Society with Compassion,” which in operation today that are working focused on embracing personal and social transformation amidst the toward the common goal of changing hardships of a global pandemic and racial tensions. society for the better.

Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University

The Antiracist Research and Policy Center (ARPC) in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to “multidisciplinary initiatives for fostering racial justice, decolonial politics, and intersectional liberation,” according to its website. The center, which was established in 2017, recently formed a coalition of 48 faculty members from across the AU campus who will serve as advisers for furthering the ARPC’s social justice mission. This interdisciplinary expert discussions. One of its most recent dialogues, titled team, along with AU’s Department of Critical Race, “On Asian America and Coalitional World-Building,” focused Gender, and Culture Studies, helps the center on contextualizing the recent rise in anti-immigrant violence develop strong ties with the broader campus. and xenophobia within the broader context of the United In 2021, the ARPC has hosted a number of virtual States’ growing understanding of racial injustice issues.

48 June 2021 Center for the Study of Sexual Culture at the University of California, Berkeley

Since 2001, the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Sexual Culture (CSSC) has been at the forefront of institutional research regarding sexuality. Researchers at CSSC examine how sexuality influences legislation and popular culture as well as the fields of biology, psychology, and sociology. Center for the Study of Hate and CSSC hosts regular events and programs to discuss Extremism at California State issues of sexuality and University, San Bernardino sexual culture throughout different communities and With bigotry and radicalism on the rise in academic fields. the U.S. and across the world in recent years, The center currently has California State University, San Bernardino two active working groups, (CSUSB) has served as an excellent resource the Queer of Color Working to understand and advocate against bigotry Group and the Disability and and radicalism. CSUSB’s Center for the Sexuality Studies Working Group. Both are open to the public as well as Study of Hate and Extremism serves as a professional researchers. The Queer of Color Working Group is dedicated nonpartisan research and policy center that to using critical race and sexuality studies as a lens to discuss the recent examines how hatred, violence, and terrorism works of queer people of color in academia. The Disability and Sexuality serve to oppress civil and human rights on Studies Working Group explores the intersection of disability studies the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual and queer theory through readings, performances, and more. orientation, and disability. One of the center’s newest studies analyzed recent data on Anti-Asian hate crimes and found that such attacks had risen by 145 percent in 2020, while hate crimes overall had dropped 6 percent. The study was cited by numerous news outlets when covering the Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, at The George Washington University which is aimed at curbing the rise in Anti-Asian bias and violence. The Institute for Communitarian Policy Studies (ICPS) in The George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts and Science is “dedicated to finding constructive solutions to social problems through morally informed policy analysis and moral dialogue,” according to the ICPS website. The center supports research on a wide range of policy issues — such as gun control, moral Spatial Justice Studio at Winston- economics, and building supranational communities.— Salem State University that affect families, schools, Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), a historically communities, and Black institution, is a leader in promoting the society as a whole. understanding of how space, especially in urban areas, Among its goals has been used to perpetuate racial and socioeconomic are to foster a injustice. This research has taken place under the greater sense of banner of the Spatial Justice Studio (SJS) at the Center social responsibility for Design Innovation (CDI), a multi-campus research among individuals center created by WSSU, the University of North and to encourage Carolina School of the Arts, and the Forsyth Technical reconciliation Community College. Though the CDI is a multi-campus among different venture, WSSU faculty lead the SJS. racial, ethnic, and Researchers at SJS study topics such as food religious groups. deserts, electoral redistricting, gentrification, the Institute director Amitai Etzioni, a noted sociologist, uneven distribution of resources, and more. In a recent recently published a paper examining the relationship research-based column, SJS Faculty Lead Russ Smith between the rise in populism within the U.S. and a discussed how the formation of distinct municipalities subsequent increase in xenophobia and violence. The within metropolitan areas often correlates with an article, titled “Communitarian Antidotes to Populism,” increase in racial segregation. According to Smith, the discusses this concerning scenario as well as offers new municipalities are frequently the result of political potential solutions. fragmentation, which can create a disparity among municipal tax bases and ultimately harm residents of lower-income and minority communities. closing insight Drive-Through Commencement Ceremonies Offer Hope for 2021 Grads

Despite the unprecedented difficulties wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, political strife, and a global outcry for social justice, an estimated 4.43 million college students persevered to earn their degrees this year, according to educationdata.org. To honor these graduates while maintaining social distancing, several schools, including Seminole State College in Florida, Washington State University, Utah Valley University, and Sonoma State University in California, introduced drive-through commencements this spring. These unique graduation ceremonies allowed students to walk across a stage to receive their degrees while guests watched from the safety of their vehicles. “Graduation is one my favorite times of the year, and I am so incredibly proud of all of our graduates!” Seminole State President Georgia L. Lorenz said in a recent statement. “I am very proud of our staff and faculty, who On May 4 and 5, graduates at Seminole State College once again gave our graduates and their families a day to in Florida participated in the school’s hybrid drive- remember as they received their diplomas.”● through commencement ceremony on the Sanford/ Lake Mary campus. Nearly 2,800 degrees, certificates, and diplomas were awarded.

50 June 2021 MEASURING CAMPUS CLIMATE IS DIFFICULT. UNTIL NOW. Having the best available information means being able to make data-driven decisions at times of uncertainty. At VCU, that’s exactly what Climatext does. It’s the platform that brings us near real-time student sentiment on any current event we ask them about. And after an in-depth analysis of the responses, our ability to focus on student needs increase.

Learn more at inclusive.vcu.edu/vcu-universe

INSIGHT-may-2020-v1.indd 3 5/6/20 3:29 PM Forbes 2021 Forbes 2021 At UAB, diversity is more than a buzzword. It’s a practice. Here, everyone counts—every day. At OurUAB, leadership diversity isreflects more than our acommunity–from buzzword. It’s a local practice. to global—and Here, everyone our missioncounts—every ensures day. Our weleadership treat our reflects patients, our faculty, community–from staff, and students local to global—andwith fairness ourand missionrespect. ensures We’re proud thatwe Insighttreat our Into patients, Diversity faculty,® has staff,named and us astudents Diversity with Champion fairness forand the respect. past three years We’re andproud presented that Insight us with Into theDiversity Higher® hasEducation named Excellence us a Diversity in Diversity Champion Award for the four past times. three years and presentedNow Forbes us with has the named Higher us EducationAmerica’s Excellence#4 Best Employer in Diversity for Diversity. Award four times. Now Forbes has named us America’s #4 Best Employer for Diversity. Be a part of an organization that does more than throw words around. Be a part of an organization that does more than throw words around. EXPLORE UAB. EXPLORE UAB.

® 2020 Top Colleges for Diversity

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