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TEACHING TRAUMA- INFORMED JOURNALISM Schools prepare students to cover crises on every beat

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Engaging Religious Diversity on Campus Through Interfaith Cooperation

Colleges Address the Rising Tide of Student Homelessness ColumbiaColumbia University University Launches Launches ShawnShawn "JAY-Z" "JAY-Z" Carter Carter Lecture Lecture Series Series

202020

“The“The Shawn Shawn 'JAY-Z' 'JAY-Z' Carter Carter Lecture Lecture Series, Series, the the first first named named and and endowed endowed program program in inour our Department, Department, sits sits at atthe the heart heart of ofour our mission mission to tocreate create and and sustain sustain an an intellectu intellectual alcommunity community bridging bridging scholarship, scholarship, teaching teaching andand public public life. life. The The annual annual series series will will bring bring to toour our campus, campus, ou our neighboringr neighboring community community and and the the City City of of NewNew York York the the most most innovative innovative thinkers, thinkers, activists activists and and artists artists who who are are making making outstanding outstanding contributions contributions to to ourour understanding understanding of, of, and and appreciation appreciation for, for, the the thought, thought, arts arts and and social social movements movements of ofthe the black black diaspora.” diaspora.”

- Farah- Farah Jasmine Jasmine Griffin, Griffin, chair chair of ofAAADS AAADS Department Department and and the the Willia William mB. B.Ransford Ransford Professor Professor of ofEnglish English and and ComparativeComparative Literature Literature and and African African American American Studies Studies In this issue April 2020 42

Journalists as First Responders: Educators Teach Trauma-Informed Reporting, Self-Care By Ginger O’Donnell

20 Combating Student Homelessness Requires Special Report: Schools of Journalism Commitment from the Entire Campus Community and Communications By Brianne Sanchez

28 Equity in Higher Education Requires Equal 36 Nonprofits and Journalism Schools Aim to Access to Dual Enrollment in High School Diversify the Profession by Developing New Talent By Miun Gleeson By Ginger O’Donnell and Mariah Stewart

30 Religious Diversity is the Missing Piece 46 CBS Correspondent Jeff Pegues Shares His in Campus DEI Work Perspective on Diversity in Journalism and By Ginger O’Donnell How to Persevere in an Industry Under Attack By Mariah Bohanon

34 Diversity Education Is Not Enough: Friendship Is the Key to Bridging Ideological Differences Above: Journalist Ismail Einashe discusses his project Lost By Kevin Singer, Alyssa Rockenbach, PhD, in Europe and shares advice on working with children Tara Hudson, PhD, Matthew Mayhew, PhD, and their families during the Dart Center’s January 2019 and Ben Correia-Harker, PhD workshop, “Covering Children and the Syrian Refugee Crisis” in Amman, Jordan.

insightintodiversity.com 3

I AM MADE OF TENACIOUS AMBITION.

Excelling in two majors while also engaging in campus activities is a tall order, but Manny Mata found the perfect place to turn his dreams into realities. When he’s not studying criminal justice or mass communications, Mata participates in multiple student clubs and has written op-eds for The Daily Gamecock. He’s even found time to give tours of the university — helping to lead tomorrow’s students as they find their own paths. I AM SOUTH CAROLINA.

SC.EDU

20-11436 Insight Into Diversity Ad_Manny Hernandez_030320.indd 1 3/5/20 11:13 AM In Every Issue April 2020 Volume 95 No. 1

50 Crestwood Executive Center, Suite 526 In Brief St. Louis, Missouri 63126 314.200.9955 • 314.756.2036 FAX 6 Diversity and Inclusion News Roundup [email protected] [email protected] www.insightintodiversity.com

© 2020 Potomac Publishing, Inc. New Directions Contacts: 10 Leaders on the Move Lenore Pearlstein | Publisher Holly Mendelson | Publisher Mariah Bohanon | Senior Editor Daniel Hecke | Creative Director Debra Boyd | Director of Operations This Month’s Celebration Ginger O’Donnell | Assistant Editor Mariah Stewart | Senior Staff Writer

12 National Deaf History Month By Mariah Bohanon, Ginger O’Donnell, and Mariah Stewart Editorial Board: Linda Akutagawa Brooke Barnett, PhD Kenneth J. Barrett LeManuel Bitsóí, EdD Lynette Chappell-Williams, JD The Diversity Professional Spectrum Deborah Dagit Sonja Feist-Price, PhD James A. Felton III 14 Communications Professionals in Higher Education Cheryl Gonzalez By Ginger O’Donnell Gretchel Hathaway, PhD Lisa McBride, PhD Julia Méndez Ajay Nair, PhD Clyde Wilson Pickett, EdD Joseph Santana HEED Award Spotlight Shirley J. Wilcher, JD Anise D. Wiley-Little 16 Small Institutions Develop Expansive DEI Efforts Damon A. Williams, PhD By Mariah Bohanon Contributing Writers: Mariah Bohanon Ben Correia-Harker, PhD Miun Gleeson Tara Hudson, PhD Closing INSIGHT Matthew Mayhew, PhD Ginger O’Donnell 50 At Princeton, Portraits Honor African American Blue-Collar Employees Alyssa Rockenbach, PhD Brianne Sanchez By Ginger O’Donnell Kevin Singer Mariah Stewart

The views expressed in the content of the articles and advertisements published in INSIGHT Into Diversity are those of the authors and are not to be considered the views expressed by Potomac Publishing, Inc. Diversity Champions INSIGHT Into Diversity |

insightintodiversity.com 5 IN BRIEF

White Supremacist Propaganda on College Campuses Increased 159 Percent in Fall 2019

Incidents of White supremacist Hawaii last year. The highest activity INSIGHT Into Diversity previously propaganda surfacing on college occurred in California, , New reported on actions that colleges and campuses increased by nearly 160 York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, universities can take to stay vigilant of percent during the fall 2019 semester Virginia, Kentucky, Washington, and the hate groups that have increasingly compared with numbers from the Florida, ADL reports. intimidated and pursued student previous spring, according to a February “While we know extremists and populations for recruitment in recent report released by ADL (formerly hate groups are emboldened by the years. known as the Anti-Defamation League). current environment, this surge in Students, faculty, and staff can The organization received 158 flyering and propaganda distribution report White supremacist propaganda reports during the spring 2019 semester powerfully demonstrates how bigots are incidents directly to ADL, which has 25 and 410 reports in the fall. able to spread their message without regional offices and regularly works with Nationwide, 2019 was the highest compromising their anonymity,” ADL campuses to address hate and bias. year on record for incidents of White CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt said in a For more information, including supremacist propaganda, with 2,713 press release. a free ADL webinar on addressing cases reported — more than double the The U.S. Department of Homeland hate on campus produced in 1,214 noted in 2018, according to ADL. Security announced in September 2019 partnership with INSIGHT, visit White supremacist flyers, leaflets, that it considers the threat of violence insightintodiversity.com/tag/ADL stickers, and more were reported from domestic extremist groups equally or ADL.org. — at least once in every state except as dangerous as international terrorism. Mariah Stewart Read, Watch, Listen From slave ships to the space race, we recommend a few of the many recent works that shine a light on previously overlooked Black history.

READ: Driving While Black: WATCH: Black in Space: Breaking LISTEN: 1619 podcast African American Travel and the the Color Barrier 1619 is an audio series produced as Road to Civil Rights This new Smithsonian Channel part of The New York Times 1619 Gretchen Sorin, director and documentary invites viewers to enter Project, an in-depth examination distinguished professor for the a time “when the Cold War, the Civil of American slavery released on the Cooperstown Graduate Program Rights Movement, and the Space 400th anniversary of the landing of the at State University of New York at Race collided.” The film tells the nation’s first slave ship. Over the span Oneonta, explores how the automobile story of Ed Dwight, who became of six episodes, host Nikole Hannah- granted Black Americans a freedom of the first African American astronaut Jones traces the history of slavery mobility previously denied them. Sorin trainee in 1962 as an attempt by the and its aftermath on multiple aspects details the barriers that kept African Kennedy administration to improve of American life, from the economy Americans from traveling throughout America’s reputation abroad. Upon and agriculture to music and modern much of U.S. history, such as Jim Crow the president’s assassination, the health care. The 1619 Project is not laws that dictated their use of public plan was scrapped, and it would be without controversy, as some historians transportation. The book highlights another 20 years before the U.S. have criticized portions of its written how the privacy and safety of the finally had a Black astronaut. Black in materials as inaccurate and overly automobile allowed Black families Space explores why it took so long to cynical. Yet Hannah-Jones’ take on to travel in relative peace — though make this happen. Stream for free on how slavery’s legacy continues to harm segregation and White supremacy thesmithsonianchannel.com or check Black families, including her own, meant there were still plenty of local listings offers listeners an intimate journey dangers along the way. A documentary across 400 years of pain. Listen for based on Sorin’s work, also titled free at nytimes.com/1619podcast or via Driving While Black, is set to air on major podcast apps — PBS later this year. Available March 10 Mariah Bohanon

6 April 2020 Prepare for a Life of Impact INNOVATIVE IDEAS PUT INTO ACTION LEAD TO SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL IMPACT.

2019 ® Top Colleges for Diversity

Global Social Impact Fellows work across disciplines to bring about lasting solutions to real-world problems, taking ideas and actions beyond classrooms and borders. In Sierra Leone, faculty-guided field work invited students to work on projects designed to fight hunger and disease and increase global awareness of health crises, all with a shared goal: lasting impact. Watch video at go.lehigh.edu/impact IN BRIEF

Veterans Advocate for More Reporters from the Military

Military veterans are vastly U.S. Marine Corps veteran Russell with the journalism industry and underrepresented in today’s newsrooms. Midori and Navy veteran Zack connect them with professionals whom Only 1 percent of veterans who Baddorf founded Military Veterans they can job-shadow, according to Stars served in the military after September in Journalism (MVIJ) in 2019. The and Stripes, an independent military 11, 2001, now work in journalism, nonprofit organization helps former news outlet. according to the latest data from the service members transition into civilian The organization also offers members United States Census Bureau. By careers in the news industry. a professional mentorship program with comparison, veterans make up 7 percent One way that MVIJ is tackling seasoned journalists, résumé assistance, of the total U.S. population. this issue is through a partnership and access to exclusive social media Despite this underrepresentation, with National Public Radio (NPR). networking groups. major news outlets don’t appear Starting this summer, NPR will offer Midori and Baddorf say that to include veterans as part of their a paid internship for veterans to adding more military voices to the diversity and inclusion efforts. No gain hands-on experience alongside news media will improve the industry. mainstream news organization includes world-renowned journalists. To qualify, “Veterans bring perspective, nuanced data on veteran employees in their individuals must be a reservist or understanding, and on-the-ground annual diversity reports, according National Guard member with at least experience about the military and to Nieman Reports, a website and four years of service or be honorably veterans affairs that ultimately benefits quarterly print magazine about the discharged from active duty. No prior newsrooms and news consumers,” the journalism industry. reporting experience is required. MVIJ website states. — Two former military members are In April, MVIJ will host a workshop Mariah Stewart working to improve this disparity. in New York to familiarize veterans

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE 14TH ANNUAL BBCB SUMMIT

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2021 SUMMIT FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 1

8 April 2020 THE HEART TO STEP UP THE WILL TO PRESS ON BELIEVE IN THE WILDLY POSSIBLE They are called the Forbes Under 30 Scholars. Similarly, Carlos Lewis has taken every opportunity presented at UK and sought ways to learn and lead. Cathy Black is a senior producer and British Broadcasting “MyOnly professors 1,500 students challenged annually me are and chosen. helped The megoal: line find up Corporation (BBC) liaison for CBS News in . internshipsthe world’s atbest TV and stations boldest in Lexingtonyoung leaders, and creatorsWashington. and President of the American Marketing Association. Vice In this role, Black works with all CBS News broadcasts, Theythinkers. also Bringcultivated them mytogether interest for ina summit, producing.” where they President of the National Association of Black Accountants. including “CBS This Morning” and “CBS Evening News,” as experience connecting, learning, teaching and building Student Wellness Ambassador. Each organization; each well as the BBC, a CBS News partner. Atfrom UK, the we best prepare and from our each students other .to tackle the globally position of leadership – an opportunity to be mentored and to pass it on … Skills he says he developed at UK’s Stuckert competitive workforce that awaits them after Career Center. A Lexington, Ky. native, there was never any doubt that the graduation.This year, two Black of them discovered, came from ignited the University and propelled of Kentucky.

University of Kentucky was where she would attend college. herRyan passions Page, a businessinto a career and organizational where she thrives. communication “Mark Williams at the Career Center coached me and major, has taken every opportunity offered to him at UK – encouraged me to have more meaningful positions on It’s a decision she’s never regretted. Now,from it’s athletics your turn. to the Black Student Union. campus,” Lewis said. “He became my mentor and molded me into a leader.” “It just proved to be everything I thought it would be,” That’sIt’s a simplewhat it philosophy,means to be he part says. of “Closed the University mouths ofdon’t Kentucky get Black said. “UK has something for everybody, and I think community,fed, and I don’t a community want to leave where any youopportunities are challenged behind to At the University of Kentucky, we are committed – through dedicated and determined faculty and staff – to inspire that’s what really drew me to the school. This history is dreamwhile Iboldly. am here in college.” students … to ignite their passions … to show them what’s so great and broad. It offers so many great opportunities possible when they realize a potential that often they didn’t across the board.” even know existed within them.

Black cites the individual attention she received from We call it exploring what’s wildly possible. professors in the College of Communication and Information as being key to her success. Our students understand it as a life-changing education.

The result is that we encourage all students – students like Ryan Page and Carlos Lewis – to embrace their journey toward a life of greater satisfaction and meaning. An Equal Opportunity University

An Equal Opportunity University

OID | Insight Into Diversity | Cathy Black.indd 2 3/11/20 9:59 AM new directions

CALIFORNIA Professional Studies at St. John’s TEXAS Christopher Jones, University in New York City. Victoria M. JD, has been named DeFrancesco Soto, the inaugural NEW YORK PhD, has been senior diversity and S. David Wu, PhD, named inaugural inclusion officer at was selected as assistant dean for the University of president of The City civic engagement Redlands. Jones University of New at The Lyndon B. was previously the assistant vice York Baruch College Johnson School of Public Affairs at president and director of equity at in Manhattan. the University of Texas at Austin. Case Western Reserve University in Wu previously Soto was lecturer and director of Cleveland, Ohio. served as provost and executive civic engagement at the university. vice president of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. UTAH Darryll Pines, Rodney Chatman was selected as PhD, was selected OHIO police chief at the University of as president of Robert Solomon, JD, has been Utah in Salt Lake City. Chatman the University of named vice president for inclusion, previously served as executive Maryland in College diversity, and equal opportunity at director of public safety and chief Park. Pines previously Case Western Reserve University in of police at the University of served as Nariman Cleveland. Solomon was assistant Dayton in Ohio. Farvardin Professor and dean of the provost for diversity and inclusion university’s A. James Clark School at The Ohio State University in VIRGINIA of Engineering. Columbus. Mary Dana Hinton, PhD, has been MASSACHUSETTS PENNSYLVANIA named president of John H. Dozier, EdD, Debasish Chakraborty, PhD, was Hollins University has been named the selected as dean of the Business in Roanoke. Hinton institute community School at Seton Hill University in was president and equity officer Greensburg. Chakraborty previously of the College at Massachusetts served as a professor of economics of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Institute of Technology and assistant dean and director Minnesota. in Cambridge. Dozier of the MBA program at Central was chief diversity officer and senior Michigan University in Mount Tyler Brentley was associate provost for inclusion at Pleasant. selected as director the University of South Carolina in of the Black Columbia. Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, Cultural Center at EdD, has been named the Provost’s Virginia Polytechnic NEW JERSEY Distinguished Senior Fellow of Institute and Jonathan Holloway, PhD, was Student Engagement at the State University in selected as the first Black University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Blacksburg. Brentley previously president of Rutgers University School of Education in Philadelphia. served as the multicultural in New Brunswick. Holloway McCoullum was vice provost for and inclusion coordinator at previously served as the provost university life at the institution. Mercyhurst University in Erie, of Northwestern University in Pennsylvania. Evanston, Illinois. SOUTH CAROLINA Willie L. Todd Jr., PhD, was WISCONSIN Katia Passerini, PhD, has been selected as president of Denmark Kimo Ah Yun, PhD, has been named named provost and executive vice Technical College. Todd previously the first person of color to serve as president at Seton Hall University served as provost and vice provost for Marquette University in in South Orange. Passerini was president for academic affairs at Milwaukee. Yun was the university’s chair and dean of The Lesley H. Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. acting provost. and William L. Collins College of

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

10 April 2020 REACHING TOWARD INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE. The University of West Florida is a proud recipient of the 2019 HEED Award

There are no limits to our success when each member of our community is seen, heard and ultimately, understood.

#UWFInclusion uwf.edu/inclusion This Month’s Celebration

NATIONAL DEAF HISTORY MONTH

By Mariah Bohanon, Ginger O’Donnell, and Mariah Stewart

National Deaf History Month is celebrated from March 13 through April 15 to commemorate the achievements of Robert R. Davila, PhD, is a people who are deaf and hard of hearing. The time frame Mexican American who grew up is spread across March and April in recognition of three working alongside his parents in the turning points in deaf education history dating back to the orchards of California’s central valley. early 1800s. He became deaf after contracting spinal meningitis when he was 8 On April 15, 1817, America’s first public school for the deaf years old. His mother was determined was opened. On April 8, 1864, Gallaudet University.— the that he receive an equitable education world’s first institution dedicated to advanced education for despite his hearing loss and sent him the deaf and hard of hearing — was officially founded. And to attend the California School for more than 100 years later, on March 13, 1988, Gallaudet the Deaf in Berkeley, California. It hired its first deaf president in response to its students’ Deaf was there that Davila learned American Sign Language and President Now movement. other essential skills. He went on to earn a bachelor’s and The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) first a master’s degree in education and eventually obtained his introduced National Deaf History Month in 1997 and, in PhD in educational technology from Syracuse 2006, the American Library Association partnered with NAD University in 1972. Davila became a powerful in supporting and spreading awareness of this celebration. disability rights advocate and assistant secretary for Congress has not designated any part of it as a federally the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative recognized holiday despite ongoing advocacy efforts toward Services under President George H.W. Bush. this goal. He later served in leadership roles for several In celebration of National Deaf organizations dedicated to supporting the deaf and History Month, we highlight five hard of hearing, including serving as president of role models whose stories illustrate Gallaudet University before retiring in 2009. the power of activism, education, and perseverance despite disability. Eugene Hairston, known as “Silent Hairston,” grew up to become the first deaf African American Shirley Jeanne Allen, EdD, is the boxer, having suffered spinal meningitis as a young first Black deaf woman in the U.S. child. Hairston was born in Harlem, New York, to earn a doctoral degree. Born in 1929 and attended schools for deaf children in 1941 in Nacogdoches, Texas, until the age of 15, at which point he dropped Allen became deaf at the age of out to earn money for his family. After working 20 following a bout of typhoid various jobs, he set his sights on becoming a fever. At the time, she was studying music at Jarvis Christian professional boxer and began attending a New College and continued to play the piano for audiences despite York fighting club. Trainers at the club initially overlooked her hearing loss. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Hairston because of his hearing loss until they witnessed his 1966 from Gallaudet University and a master’s degree in 1972 exceptional skills in the ring. He soon went pro, winning a from Howard University. She finally earned her doctorate in total of 45 fights and defeating two world champions before education from the University of Rochester in 1992. She was he reached the age of 22. In 1952, doctors advised Hairston a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology for 28 years to quit boxing for fear he would end up blind from repeated before retiring in 2001. Her accolades include being featured blows to the head. He retired, lived a full life, and died in in multiple editions of Who’s Who of Professional Women, a 2014 at the age of 85. lifetime achievement award from Who’s Who in America, and a place in Jarvis Christian College’s Pioneer Hall of Fame.

12 April 2020 CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Juliette Gordon Low was born in MEN OF COLOR 1860 and founded Girl Scouts of NATIONAL the USA in 1912 after enduring SUMMIT multiple ear injuries as a child that resulted in near total hearing APRIL 15-16, 2021 loss. An adventurous spirit, Low channeled her lifelong passions GREENVILLE CONVENTION CENTER for athletics, the arts, animals, and GREENVILLE, S.C. nature into a global movement that has empowered millions of girls to develop leadership skills and SAVE THE DATE! self-confidence. Beginning with her first troop of 18 girls, Low stood up against racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of bias by uniting young women from diverse cultural, racial, ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds. After Low died of breast cancer in 1927, she received numerous posthumous honors. These included the establishment of the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund, which provides financial support for international travel and service work for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world.

Audree Norton, born in 1927, was the first deaf actress to appear on American network television. Norton acted in major sitcoms throughout the 1960s and 1970s on ABC, NBC, and CBS. In 1967, she became the founding member of the National Theatre of the Deaf, the first production company to regularly feature performances in American Sign Language. The theatre completed tours MAKING HISTORY TODAY across the U.S. and Europe and was Join us for the University’s fi fth annual conference featured on Broadway. Norton’s role with leaders from across the country working to as a disability rights advocate includes make an impact on African American and Hispanic appealing to the Screen Actors Guild after she and her males in our community. husband Kenneth North, who was also deaf, weren’t cast in roles because of a director’s fear of working with hearing impaired actors. A graduate of Gallaudet University and Visit clemson.edu/menofcolor or email California State University at Hayward, Norton taught . psychology, English, and media at Ohlone College. In 2012, [email protected] she received an honorary doctorate from Gallaudet. She passed away three years later at the age of 88.

insightintodiversity.com 13 diversity professional spectrum Communications Professionals in Higher Education

In each issue, INSIGHT Into Diversity features diverse professionals in higher education. By Ginger O’Donnell

Farnaz Khadem is vice president of university communications at Stanford University. She has led strategic communications teams for the past 25 years at a variety of higher education and nonprofit institutions across the world, including at the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, Irvine, the World Anti-Doping Agency in Montreal, and The Vaccine Fund in Lyon, France. Khadem started her career as a reporter in the San Diego area for the Daily Times-Advocate and went on to serve as a U.S. diplomat for six years before she launched her career in communications. Bey-Ling Sha, PhD, is dean of the College of Communications at California State University, Rudy Fernandez is senior vice president for public Fullerton. An award-winning educator and affairs and communications and chief of staff at the pioneering researcher, Sha primarily studies University of Miami (UM). He is responsible for creating the intersection of identity and public relations, the public affairs division of communications at UM earning her the Institute for Public Relations’ to better coordinate external relations efforts with Pathfinder Award in 2018 for original scholarly federal, state, and local governments. As chief of research. She is also the winner of multiple staff, he serves as the senior adviser to the president, outstanding educator awards, including a 2012 developing and executing long-term communications honor from the Public Relations Society of strategy. Fernandez previously held a variety of America (PRSA). In 2014, Sha served as chair of senior government jobs, including special assistant to the Universal Accreditation Board, the world’s former President George W. Bush. He makes frequent largest professional certification program for appearances as a political commentator on mainstream public relations practitioners. Prior to entering and Spanish-language media and serves on the boards academia, she was a public relations consultant of several Florida nonprofit organizations, including the and public affairs officer for the U.S. Census Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Bureau, where she oversaw the promotional campaign for the 2000 census.

Charles Whitaker is dean of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications. He joined the faculty in 1993 and was most recently the Helen Gurley Brown Professor and the school’s associate dean of journalism. Whitaker had a distinguished journalism career as a senior editor at Ebony magazine, covering myriad social, cultural, and political issues across the world. He has since co-authored the textbook Magazine Writing, which examines the magazine industry and deconstructs the art of feature writing. He is a longtime advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the journalism industry; among other efforts, he directed the Academy for Alternative Journalism, a summer fellowship program for underrepresented journalists, for nine years. Diane McFarlin is dean of the University of Florida (UF) College of Journalism and Communications. Previously, she was the president and publisher of the Herald-Tribune Dan Kim, JD, is the senior vice president for Media Group, the largest media company in communications, marketing, and external relations at Southwest Florida. Prior to that, she served Brandeis University. Kim has held similar roles at a variety as executive editor of the Sarasota Herald- of higher education institutions. Before joining Brandeis, Tribune for 10 years. McFarlin is active in state he served as vice president for communications at the and national media organizations, previously College of the Holy Cross, where he was responsible serving as president of the American Society for government and community relations, strategic of News Editors and repeatedly serving as a marketing, and more. Prior to that, he was the executive juror for the Pulitzer Prizes. She has also taught director of communications and marketing at the at the Centers for Independent Journalism in University of Michigan College of Engineering, where Prague and Bucharest. In March 2019, she was he directed brand strategy. He started his career as named the Scripps Howard Awards College publisher and editor-in-chief of a trade magazine for Administrator of the Year. attorneys called Lawyers Weekly.

14 April 2020 Expressive Communication Center opens at RIT to help students with public speaking Up to 50 students a week receive help to prepare and deliver a presentation By Greg Livadas/Edited version

oughly one person in four has a fear of public speaking, Students can also have a practice presentation recorded. It Rbut the anxiety can be reduced if you know just what to can show if they are fidgeting, reading too much from their say, how to organize, begin or end. script or have too much text on their slides. Rochester Institute of Technology’s Expressive Communication The center tries to have at least one person on staff at all Center, which opened in 2019, strives to help students better times who knows American Sign Language. prepare to deliver speeches and presentations. The center also hosts workshops on interview techniques, “Industry workforce reports, university alumni surveys and best practices for an elevator pitch, ways to do a pitch for a academic studies have long stressed the importance of strong client and managing conflict in a group. communication abilities in order for college graduates to excel, Nicole Weiner, a second-year media arts and technology and students had approached us about getting more support for major from Brookfield, Wis., said she struggled with speech giving presentations,” said Kelly Martin, director of RIT’s School anxiety for years and was scared about seeking help from of Communication. the center. The center averages 40 to 60 visits a week. Undergraduates “As my anxiety-ridden thoughts filled my brain, my logical side Undergraduates and graduate students from all majors can came in saying I should go. What if it’s nice? You have to go try make an appointment for help with individual and group it out,” she said. speeches, as well as portfolio, poster and conference presentations. Once at the center, Weiner said she instantly felt at ease. “Every time I came to the center, my experience just Peer consultants are trained to help students with presentation improved as the tutors got to know my individual style,” preparation and delivery, including organizing an outline, she said. designing visuals, practicing delivery and managing anxiety. Learn more at rit.edu Faculty members are also available to work one-on-one with course instructors on creating and evaluating oral communication assignments. heed award spotlight

2019 ®

The annual INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award is the only application-based higher education award that recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Small Institutions Develop Expansive DEI Efforts

By Mariah Bohanon

With fewer than 4,000 students School of the Art Institute knowledge,” Aldridge says. of Chicago each, Washington State University of The school extended these learning Vancouver (WSU Vancouver) and the At SAIC, students lead the way for opportunities to campus security School of the Art Institute of Chicago campus DEI efforts, says Dio Aldridge, and food service staff, a measure that (SAIC) at first appear to have little special assistant to the dean and provost represents Aldridge’s principle to treat in common aside from enrollment on diversity, equity, and inclusion. every SAIC employee the same as he size. WSU Vancouver is situated on a “Students are often the catalyst would treat the institution’s president, he 351-acre campus complete with hiking in the push for (equal rights),” he says. “I was very cognizant that we need trails and mountain views; in-state explains. “They make sure they hold us to work with the people who feed us and students account for nearly 90 percent accountable.” literally keep us safe, so I reached out of enrollment. SAIC is located in One student-run organization, The with the idea to do workshops around downtown Chicago, has a student body League of Extraordinary Genders, things like inclusive security strategies.” that is nearly one-third international, has helped propel SAIC’s support of SAIC staff who work in these areas and has been called the “most transgender and gender-nonconforming are predominantly African American influential art college in the United students and employees. The group or native Spanish speakers, according to States” by the Columbia University promotes the rights of all genders with Aldridge, so the workshops — which are National Arts Journalism survey. The a special focus on these vulnerable optional — include culturally relevant two institutions were founded 123 years populations, and their efforts in recent discussions around gender expression apart, in 1989 and 1866, respectively. years have included advocating for and stereotypes. The trainings use Yet these seemingly dissimilar better campus inclusion. In response, hypothetical scenarios related to issues institutions have much in common when SAIC adopted innovative measures for such as pronoun usage, and participants it comes to promoting diversity, equity, supporting this demographic. have the option of attending bilingual and inclusion (DEI) across campus. “We have a large population sessions led by Aldridge and other DEI Both have created accountability who identifies as trans and gender- staff who are native Spanish speakers. networks composed of multiple diverse nonconforming,” says Aldridge, who Another recent measure to support advisory groups and councils. Each personally identifies as transgender. gender nonconforming populations on institution has implemented awareness “It’s one area we definitely do a lot of campus is the creation of lanyards that and training programs that teach support and collaboration around.” allow individuals to easily display their employees how to support vulnerable SAIC added information on gender preferred pronouns. populations. And both schools continue identity and expression to student Aldridge’s colleague Christina to develop innovative DEI measures orientation and its in-person and online Gomez, the director of academic affairs to better serve the needs of their entire trainings so that “everybody coming for diversity and inclusion as well as campus communities. into the institution will have this basic a professor, pointed out to him that

16 April 2020 “pronoun mispronouncing happens a The school’s Diversity Advisory on the success of its surrounding lot” in the classroom, he says. Together, Group, which includes student, faculty, communities, the university maintains they worked with SAIC’s fashion and staff representatives, oversees close ties with these former students.— department to design lanyards labeled these efforts and ensures that SAIC particularly those of color or those who with different gender pronouns or continues to address student needs identify as LGBTQ, according to Ford. displaying blank spaces for wearers to and priorities. Aldridge credits this The Office of Equity and Diversity write in their preference. large group and his colleagues in the and the Office of Development work in It’s already common for SAIC Office of Diversity and Inclusion for partnership to cultivate and maintain students to wear lanyards around Academic Affairs (DEIAA) for making these connections, such as including campus, thus making it easy to integrate this work possible. alumni representatives on the Diversity this new way of displaying pronouns if “One thing I love about (the and Equity Advisory Board. they so choose, Aldridge says. DEIAA) is that we have been able to As one of multiple groups that “It’s just a really cool, creative way to make these great connections, whether oversee and advance WSU Vancouver’s

SAIC was founded in 1866 in downtown Chicago. The campus now includes classroom facilities and residence halls located Specially designed lanyards allow SAIC students and throughout the downtown area. employees to easily display their preferred gender pronouns.

solve this concern,” he says, noting that it be with human resources or security DEI efforts, this board’s specific focus the creativity and collaboration that went staff or whoever,” he says. “Everyone is on closing the enrollment gap for into making these lanyards exemplifies here is really interested in this work, in underrepresented students, increasing SAIC’s diversity and inclusion work. learning how to support each other and capacity for institutional change, and “Being a metropolitan arts school, be better toward one another.” upholding a welcoming campus climate. there is obviously a trend toward Including the perspectives of those Washington State University progressive ideals,” he says. “A huge who know what it’s like to be a member Vancouver component of creative practice is of a non-majority group both on reflecting on and being mindful of your WSU Vancouver was founded 30 campus and within the surrounding own identity and frame of view, so that years ago as the only four-year land community is vital to “increasing challenges us to have these kinds of grant research university in Southwest access and supporting a sense of safety reflective dialogues.” Washington. Its commitment to and belonging for underrepresented LGBTQ inclusion overall is a equitable education “is informed by students,” Ford says. prominent topic in arts education, (our) land grant mission of openness, WSU Vancouver’s dedication to as is disability rights, according to accessibility, equity, inclusion, and incorporating diverse viewpoints Aldridge. SAIC recently formed a service to people,” says Obie Ford is evident in the university’s other committee on workplace accessibility III, PhD, associate vice chancellor for DEI groups, which include councils and accommodations, and its faculty equity and diversity. on student outcomes, enrollment enrichment workshops — a series of Nine out of 10 WSU Vancouver management, student success, and more. lunchtime DEI trainings — include alumni live in the region. As an The Equity of Student lessons on creating accessible courses. institution that has significant influence Outcomes Council (ESOC), for

insightintodiversity.com 17 SIUE STUDENTS EXPLORE THE WORLD

The campus of WSU Vancouver features three mountain WSU Vancouver students gather for a campus memorial event views and six miles of hiking trails spread across 351 acres. for Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, 2019.

example, combines the expertise of … and amplifying (their) voices.” recommendations on which BaCE administrators, research and admissions One of the council’s major initiatives workshops to attend. staff, and faculty members in ensuring is the CEDI Mini Grants Program, in “(The IDI) is important because “equitable opportunities and outcomes which university units, faculty, and staff when one learns of their own cultural for all student populations, including can submit proposals for projects that perspective in a given context, they may SIUE offers hundreds of study abroad opportunities, which allow equal retention and graduation rates promote “equity, diversity, and inclusion select BaCE workshops and support across demographic groups by closing throughout the campus fabric,” he equity-minded and culturally responsive students to expand their world personally and stand out in the job the opportunity gap,” Ford says. says. Employees who have completed activities more intentionally,” he says. ESOC’s collaborative efforts the university’s BaCE program, an The BaCE workshop series is market while earning credit toward their degree. Last year, nearly have included working with WSU extensive DEI training series, can form separated into four tiers and covers a Vancouver’s Center for Intercultural action groups that are also eligible for wide range of topics, such as the “myth 200 students traveled to 24 countries Learning and Affirmation to develop CEDI grants. of color blindness,” diversity within the a “culturally responsive learning BaCE, which stands for Building deaf community, and refocusing equity community” as part of a new summer a Community of Equity Professional as an institution. bridge program for underserved Development, is a 12-hour professional Since the program launched in We are proud of our students who have received national scholarships: students, he explains. development and enrichment program fall 2018, more than 50 percent of • INSIGHT Into Diversity: Global Engagement Scholarship for study in Ireland The council proposed and received that includes personal assessments for faculty, staff, and administrators have funding for the program to start in the participants and a series of workshops participated, according to Ford. • National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education: Global 2019-2020 academic year. It has thus to choose from throughout the year. This high level of engagement Engagement Award for study in Uganda far achieved a 100 percent retention “The BaCE program goes beyond illustrates the extent of the campus’ rate and will be adopted by the Office merely ‘checking a box’ with regard commitment to DEI, he says. • American Association of State Colleges and Universities: Rising Star Award for of Student Affairs and Enrollment to receiving a single workshop as an “WSU Vancouver recognizes that beginning in summer 2020, according attempt to combat oppression,” Ford more work is required to create a study in China to Ford. says. “Rather, the BaCE program is campus community where students, Another group, the Council on long term and builds momentum.” staff, and faculty do not merely survive, • U.S. Department of State: Benjamin Gilman Scholarship for study in Costa Rica Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CEDI), Faculty, staff, and administrators but abundantly thrive,” Ford says. “It is • U.S. National Security Education Program: Boren Scholarship for study in S. Korea allows students to participate in the who participate in BaCE first complete critical work that is rooted in love, and decision-making process when it comes the Intercultural Development (the university) has a lot more to do to funding and supporting DEI efforts. Inventory (IDI), a pre-assessment and give.”● In addition to student that provides “in-depth insights on representatives, CEDI includes one’s orientation toward cultural Mariah Bohanon is the senior editor siue.edu/study-abroad siue.edu/diversity faculty, staff, and administrators. differences and commonalities,” of INSIGHT Into Diversity. School Its membership “represents a Ford explains. They can choose to of the Art Institute of Chicago beautiful spectrum of historically attend a debriefing session with Ford is a 2014-2017 and 2019 HEED underrepresented social identities,” regarding their IDI results and work Award recipient. Washington State Ford says. “There is something quite with him in developing a personal University Vancouver is a 2019 powerful about these communities “intercultural development plan” HEED Award recipient. coming together at WSU Vancouver that includes suggested readings and

2019 ® 18 April 2020 Top Colleges for Diversity SIUE STUDENTS EXPLORE THE WORLD

SIUE offers hundreds of study abroad opportunities, which allow students to expand their world personally and stand out in the job market while earning credit toward their degree. Last year, nearly 200 students traveled to 24 countries

We are proud of our students who have received national scholarships: • INSIGHT Into Diversity: Global Engagement Scholarship for study in Ireland • National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education: Global Engagement Award for study in Uganda • American Association of State Colleges and Universities: Rising Star Award for study in China • U.S. Department of State: Benjamin Gilman Scholarship for study in Costa Rica • U.S. National Security Education Program: Boren Scholarship for study in S. Korea

siue.edu/study-abroad siue.edu/diversity

2019 ® Top Colleges for Diversity The Dax Program, created by the nonprofit organization DePaul USA in 2015, supports DePaul University students who are experiencing homelessness. The program assists with basic needs and housing options such as the Dax House, a facility that provides short- and long- term housing for students at $150 per month. A recent series of portraits features Dax Program students on campus; the program has a 93 percent retention and graduation rate. Left photos by Kathy Hillegonds, right photos by Alex Rogals

20 April 2020 Combating Student Homelessness Requires Commitment from the Entire Campus Community By Brianne Sanchez

One in three college students has they offer for students who are at risk to work directly in combating housing uncertain access to safe and affordable of or who are currently experiencing insecurity. housing, according to the Wisconsin homelessness. After completing the “One of the next steps [for engaging HOPE Lab. In a 2018 study, one in 10 inventory, administrators can distribute on this issue] and a deep connection had experienced homelessness in the this list to faculty and staff so they to our work is that every college and previous year. are aware of what aid their institution university see it as its role, educationally, Students who are couch surfing, offers and can give referrals. to help students build the capacity for living out of a vehicle, or failing to “Part of the idea was to ask this advocacy and policy change,” Seligsohn pay their rent may not know where to question, ‘How can everyone on campus says, “so that whatever issues students are turn for help or may fear the stigma contribute to making an institution a facing, they can raise their voices in an associated with homelessness. However, place where students can succeed and effective way to move the issue forward.” increasing attention to the issue is not be prevented by facing housing inspiring campuses and organizations insecurity?’” Seligsohn says. “The to assess what barriers their students are building of a coalition has been useful. ACTIVISM EXAMPLE facing when it comes to housing and It destigmatizes this issue for colleges Students 4 Students, formerly known to provide stronger, more innovative and universities.” as the Bruin Shelter, houses individuals support services. Based on a study of 50 colleges experiencing homelessness while and universities, Campus Compact attending any higher education institution Campus Compact in the Los Angeles area. The shelter, determined the following best practices which is run by University of California, “If a student is experiencing hunger for supporting housing-insecure Los Angeles student volunteers, is a and housing insecurity, they don’t have students: registered campus organization and the opportunity to take advantage has received national recognition for its of what college ought to be,” says • Develop and provide specific innovative work in supporting a broad population of students in need. Andrew Seligsohn, PhD, president of training for faculty and staff. Campus Compact, the nation’s largest national • Identify gaps in support for organization dedicated vulnerable student populations, DePaul University to civic engagement including formerly incarcerated in higher education. students and those who were once At DePaul University in Chicago, “It prevents education in the foster care system. where Ellen Herion Fingado serves from being this lever as dean of students, personalized [of change].” Andrew • Actively cultivate community- interventions and community Seligsohn On its website, campus partnerships with partnerships have been Campus Compact has organizations that specialize in critical for serving gathered research and best practices working with individuals who face those struggling with for addressing student homelessness homelessness. financial stressors such and has developed tools for faculty, as housing insecurity. administrators, student services • Create a single point of contact to When it comes to professionals, and student leaders. coordinate campus and community student homelessness, Included among its online resources services. DePaul “has been Ellen Herion Fingado is the Student Housing Insecurity really great at leaning Mapping Tool, a simple inventory for As an organization dedicated to in” to the problem, institutions to track which resources, civic engagement, one of Campus Fingado says. The school collects data programs, services, and partnerships Compact’s goals is to inspire students to understand the scope of housing

insightintodiversity.com 21 Identifying Student Homelessness

Sudden events such as the loss of a job or unexpected medical bills can put many students in precarious financial situations, but certain vulnerable populations are the most likely to experience housing insecurity:

• First-generation students • Those who were formerly incarcerated • Members of the LGBTQ community • Single parents • Survivors of domestic violence • Veterans • Youth formerly in the foster care system

Indicators that a student is homeless can include the following:

• A lack of personal hygiene • Carrying multiple bags or luggage • Frequently missing assignments that require uploading or printing large files • Persistent tardiness • Regularly falling asleep in class

Sources: Campus Compact; The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice The Dax Program building in Chicago

Holyoke Community College insecurity on campus, and staff tracks The university also has a unique enrollment data so they can intervene partnership with DePaul USA, a When Rosemary Fiedler came when it appears that a student may be national nonprofit organization, on staff at Holyoke Community on the brink of dropping out due to known as the Dax Program. Created College (HCC) in Massachusetts as struggles with housing or meeting other in 2015, the program is designed to coordinator of the recently formed basic needs. support the approximately 50 DePaul Thrive Student Resource Center, it “If we can try to intervene at an students who experience homelessness was a dream come true. Her experience earlier and lower level, that proves each academic quarter, according on campus as a 45-year-old mother to be a more successful outcome,” to its website. Fingado’s office and of four earning her associate degree Fingado says. Her office reaches out community partners can refer students helped lift her and her children out of with personalized emails to students to the Dax Program for help with poverty, and she wanted to help others who appear to be in this type of basic needs and housing options such facing the same hardships. dilemma, and support staff can refer as home hosts. The center was originally conceived them to resources such as the DePaul It also operates Dax House, a facility of through a partnership between University Student Emergency that provides short- and long-term HCC, People’s Bank, and the local Assistance Fund. housing for DePaul students ages 18 to chapter of the United Way to focus on The fund, administered through 26. Residents are expected to work 10 personal finance. But it wasn’t long after the dean’s office, provides one-time hours per week and pay $150 a month assistance to help students cover in rent; they can stay in the house up to rent, medical bills, school supplies, three months after graduation. ACTIVISM EXAMPLE transportation costs, and living expenses “I have seen how giving students Faculty can raise awareness of housing such as food and utilities. During the direct funding or connecting them with support services by including a statement 2018-2019 academic year, it gave more the Dax Program is truly life-changing on course syllabi that directs students to than $33,000 to students. The largest for them,” Fingado says. “It provides the appropriate campus and community resources. For suggested wording, visit portion of the fund went toward housing, a sense of belonging and stability and hope4college.com. with $14,467 paid in student rent. helps them feel like they have a plan.”

22 April 2020 “ MUSC celebrates women in medicine

musc.edu | muschealth.org | musc.edu/arrow Changing what’s possible Utilizing Residence Halls Thrive Center Testimonials

Holyoke Community College’s (HCC) commitment to creative problem RODRIGO VALDIVIEZO-SALAZAR solving around student homelessness led them to participate in a Holyoke Community College (HCC) pilot program with Westfield State University, which is experiencing student Rodrigo Valdiviezo-Salazar decreased enrollment, that allows HCC students to live in the university’s turned to the Thrive Student Resource residence halls. Center when he was unable to afford rent or secure public housing. In 2019, 12 public campuses in Massachusetts joined similar state-funded “There aren’t many housing options pilot programs to address housing insecurity. The state is seeking to for young, unmarried males between focus on basic needs assistance among college students as a matter 18 and 25,” Salazar explains in a March of intentional public policy. A collection of research and resources is 2019 video testimonial. “You get put available at mass.edu/strategic/studenthunger. to the back of the wait list for public housing and opportunities because there are families and children in need.” Rosemary Fiedler, the center’s coordinator, helped Salazar obtain she started her position that Fiedler, tutoring centers. health insurance and an apartment near campus through the Center for who now holds a master’s degree in It’s important that the campus Human Development. education, recognized that checking community is aware of what the center “When you’re couch hopping every accounts and credit scores weren’t has to offer and how they can help week, it makes it pretty hard to study. If a priority for students if they were students who may be struggling, she says. I was going to be able to go to a good struggling to meet basic needs. “Let’s say a tutor notices a institution, I needed a stable place and comfortable living situation, and “It’s about food and housing first,” student is carrying three backpacks Rosemary helped me get that,” Salazar Fiedler says. and hasn’t eaten,” Fiedler says, says in his testimony. He adds that he The Thrive Center now offers basics explaining that carrying multiple plans to transfer to a four-year school needs assistance in addition to financial bags or luggage is an indicator of after finishing his degree at HCC and coaching. Students can access food, homelessness. “The tutor can say become a teacher, possibly pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. school supplies, toiletries, and more. The ‘Let me get you down to the Thrive “Because of [the center], I can really focus on my last semester at HCC and do my best so I can transfer to a By having the entire HCC community engaged in this work, university,” he says. “It’s a huge weight off my shoulders.” the college can reach students before the struggles of GIA MENDEZ finding secure housing lead them to drop out of school. Visual arts major Gia Mendez originally came to the Thrive Student Resource Center for help in repairing her credit score. She was preparing to have surgery, falling behind on bills, and center provides guidance on obtaining Center to talk to our coordinator.” facing eviction from her apartment. legal aid, SNAP benefits, tax preparation, By having the entire HCC “I was struggling mentally and and credit repair. When it comes to community engaged in this work, the physically and getting worn down. I housing, Fiedler learns about the students’ college can reach students before the told Rosemary that I was about to lose individual situations and helps them find struggles of finding secure housing lead my housing because of my medical condition,” Mendez says in a video the resources that are right for them. them to drop out of school. testimonial for the center. Fiedler Students appreciate having a one- “If we can keep them here in the directed her to a nonprofit group that stop shop for assistance, and a central short term,” Fiedler explains, “then in helped her pay off debt and covered point of contact on homelessness issues the long term they have their whole her rent for four months. is a best practice for institutions seeking lives ahead of them to earn money Without the center’s assistance, “I ● wouldn’t have an apartment, and I to collect accurate data about the use of and thrive.” wouldn’t be able to come to school,” resources as well as for strengthening Mendez says. “I would be out on the partnerships with organizations outside Brianne Sanchez is a contributing streets. It was like I was swimming of the college. writer for INSIGHT Into Diversity. and couldn’t come up to breathe, but Fiedler shares information about DePaul University is a 2014-2017 and Rosemary and the center helped me to breathe again.” the center’s services at new student 2019 INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher orientation, in presentations to campus Education Excellence in Diversity employees, and in classrooms and (HEED) Award recipient.

24 April 2020 Indiana University’s Queer Philanthropy Circle Dedicated to Supporting LGBTQ+ Students, Faculty, Staff

Indiana University proudly kicks off its can move mountains,” says James C. Uniting for Better Tomorrows Bicentennial and 200 years of academic Wimbush, vice president for diversity, Improving the higher education trajectory excellence, reminding once again why equity, and multicultural affairs, dean of for marginalized student populations our differences should be valued and The University Graduate School, and isn’t just the right thing do, it is critical to celebrated. Every person, regardless of Johnson Chair for Diversity and the success of our community, our state, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or Leadership. “Truly diverse philanthropy is and our nation. religious affiliation, deserves the chance a powerful tool in building a more By 2025, two-thirds of all jobs in the to realize his or her potential. equitable and inclusive university.” United States will require education and This belief serves as the hallmark of Inspired by the work of Indiana training beyond high school. At current Indiana University’s work to create campus University’s newly launched QPC, an graduation rates, the Unites States is environments where individuals from anonymous member of the IU LGBTQ+ expected to face a shortfall of 11 million all walks of life—and especially those community has made a $200,000 college graduates to fill those jobs. who are traditionally underrepresented pledge to match donations to or At the heart of this challenge is improving in higher education—can be inspired to memberships in the QPC received on or access and graduation rates for all learn, innovate, and create. before June 30, 2020. underrepresented populations and The Queer Philanthropy Circle (QPC) “The QPC was launched with 25 marginalized identities. This includes underscores this commitment. As one of members and a $200,000 matching gift. LGBTQ+ students. the first LGBTQ+ focused giving circles As we embark on the important work connected to higher education in the of uplifting our LGBTQ+ community at nation, the QPC is testament to what it Indiana University, this gift will be used means to provide a welcoming campus as seed money to begin investing in of LGBTQ+ students for all. queer priorities at Indiana University,” 33% say they have considered leaving For decades, Indiana University has stood says David Jacobs, chair and founding member of the QPC. their university due to the out as a leader among U.S. colleges and challenging climate and lack universities for its work to provide a safe Membership in the QPC includes three of on-campus support and equitable learning environment annual giving levels at $5,000, Source: 2010 Survey, Campus Pride for students, faculty, staff, lumni,a $2,500 to $4,999, and $500 to $2,499. and others who identify as lesbian, Inspired by IU’s Bicentennial Strategic gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer Plan and its focus on diversity and LGBTQ+ students are more visible than (LGBTQ+). inclusion, the QPC is the second affinity- ever on today’s college campuses. And The 1947 creation of the Kinsey Institute, giving circle established in IU’s Office of while circumstances have improved the premier research institute on human the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, significantly over the past two decades sexuality and relationships; the 1994 and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA). In for this community, there is still opening of the IU Bloomington LGBTQ+ collaboration with the IU Foundation, the considerable room for improvement in Culture Center; the 2013 launch of LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, and other terms of access and degree attainment. the nation’s first LGBTQ+ Student IU LGBTQ+ organizations, the QPC “Education is transformative. The QPC Scholarship Campaign; and the 2018 supports programming, resources, and reaffirms this notion. It speaks to the establishment of the Indiana University thought leadership aimed at improving power of possibility—and what can QPC reflects this commitment. recruitment, retention, and degree transpire when people work together, “The QPC is testament to the idea that, attainment for LGBTQ+ students and the with a shared vision, to make a difference in philanthropy, the collective vision of a quality of life for members of the for new generations of students,” small group of committed people LGBTQ+ community on all IU campuses. suggests Wimbush. To learn more, visit queerphilanthropycircle.iu.edu. 2019 2019 Equity in Higher Education Requires Equal Access to Dual Enrollment in High School

By Miun Gleeson

Dual enrollment programs, also allocates state taxpayer funds for students continue on to college after known as dual credit or concurrent school districts to support dual high school, according to a state-by-state enrollment programs, have in recent enrollment. Resulting in no direct study from the Community College years become a mainstream pathway costs to students, the program has Research Center. Most earn a certificate to higher education for high school saved families more than $359 million or degree or transfer from a two-year students. Their appeal includes the in the past four years, according to the college to a four-year school within five opportunity to reduce the time and Ohio Department of Education. years of graduating from high school. cost of obtaining a college degree Beyond these financial savings, Disparities while simultaneously preparing Jenkins points to dual enrollment’s high school students for challenging ability to help students more readily As of 2015, there was a 10 percent college-level coursework. make the transition from high school gap between low-income student Ensuring that these programs to college. The courses allow them to enrollment and middle- and upper- are equitable requires widespread adjust to the intellectual rigor of college- income enrollment in dual credit collaboration and support. High level work while still in the supportive programs, according to a report by the schools, colleges and universities, environment of their high schools and Rand Corporation. Nearly 40 percent nonprofit agencies, and state and families, he explains. of White and Asian American students local governments all play a role in Research supports the idea that participated in dual credit compared expanding dual enrollment access so dual credit classes can increase college with 30 percent of Latinx and 27 percent that students from every background readiness and facilitate a clear pathway of Black students, according to the can enjoy its advantages. to college matriculation and graduation. National Center for Education Statistics. A study by the Colorado Department of While these courses are advantageous Benefits Education found that dual enrollment for many types of students, research Dual credit offers “huge financial students in the state tend to earn higher shows that they “have a profound, benefits” for students, says Rob grades in college and accumulate more positive impact” for students of color and Jenkins, PhD, associate professor of credit hours by the end of their first year. those who are first generation especially, English at Georgia State University’s They are also 9 percent less likely to take says Amy Williams, executive director Perimeter College remedial courses. for the National Alliance of Concurrent and a longtime dual Nearly 90 percent of dual credit Enrollment Partnerships. enrollment advocate. “In many states, it is heavily subsidized, Defining Dual Enrollment and students can take courses essentially Dual enrollment programs are facilitated through a partnership between Rob Jenkins for free or at very a high school or K-12 district and a local institution of higher education. little cost. It’s a huge They allow students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit by taking college-level courses that are taught at a high school by advantage for families.” their own teachers. In some cases, dual credit students may take these In Indiana, for example, high classes on a college campus or online. schoolers who are eligible for free or reduced lunches can receive tuition Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which have a national curriculum, dual enrollment courses are designed by the partnering and fee waivers for dual credit classes. college or university. They tend to cost significantly less than traditional The program has saved families an college classes, thus saving students money while also allowing them to estimated $69 million in tuition costs, get a jumpstart on a postsecondary degree.

according to the Indiana Commission Sources: Indiana Commission for Higher Education; for Higher Education. The U.S. Department of Education Ohio’s College Credit Plus program

28 April 2020 Though affordability has received than placing the onus for facilitating about BECHS and its advantages and much attention as the key to making and teaching these courses on K-12 receives an application for admission these programs accessible, eliminating institutions. While the majority of before entering high school. costs is not enough to guarantee they dual enrollment courses in the U.S. are At the state level, the focus on are equitable, Williams says. Dual credit taught in high schools, research shows equity in dual enrollment is evidenced access is a multifaceted issue, she explains, that low-income urban districts have in legislative dockets across the and much of the work must be done at the highest rate of students taking these country. Nearly 40 states are currently the program level. classes on community college campuses. considering more than 200 bills that Some of these programs even provide touch on dual enrollment; more than Expanding Access transportation for students, which half include provisions to improve access. Jenkins places the onus for disparities in Williams says is one way to expand Numerous agencies and nonprofit dual enrollment on educational dual credit access. organizations are also working toward institutions. By contrast, low-income this goal by providing guidance for “It’s our failure to actively rural schools have the highest lawmakers, program administrators, inform and recruit minorities and rate of high schoolers taking and more. Two recent reports lower-income students,” Jenkins concurrent enrollment classes from the College in High School says. “We need to do a better job online. These online classes Alliance specifically outline policy of getting the word out. We need can reduce disparities in recommendations such as statewide to incentivize students to want to Amy college readiness between rural goals for disaggregated, transparent meet the requirements and high Williams students — 27 of whom do not public reporting on dual credit access schools to want to help.” have access to AP courses.— and outcomes. He points to the Advanced Placement and their urban and suburban peers, A recent effort by the Southern (AP) program, which is operated by the according to U.S. News and World Report. Regional Education Board (SREB) College Board and has an established When it comes to attracting a wider known as the Dual Enrollment reputation as a pathway for high- range of students, dual credit programs Initiative focuses on the dissemination achieving students. Whereas AP has done should ensure their marketing materials of research and recommendations for a good job of marketing itself to parents “dispel misconceptions,” Jenkins says. policymakers and educators to improve and students, dual enrollment programs Williams recommends using concurrent enrollment experiences for are lesser known among families and even inclusive language that negates the all students. By looking at these issues guidance counselors, Jenkins says. perception that dual enrollment is through a broad lens, the multi-year Furthermore, upper level administrators for some students and not for others. initiative aims to better understand and have to be fully invested in dual credit Programs can flip the script of their improve disparities in these courses, programs for these efforts to work, he messaging from who takes these courses says Stephen L. Pruitt, says. As explained in a 2018 article on to why they should participate. president of SERB. the website Education Dive, a successful “Instead of setting parameters that “We want to help dual enrollment program — especially serve as proxy barriers that students people think of things one operating in an underserved area — can pick up on, students are exploring systematically,” he requires school and district leaders “who the program messages in terms of explains, adding that see K-12 education as part of a larger whether the value statements resonate equity is a major focus of Stephen experience” and who believe in “looking with them and are descriptive of what the initiative. Pruitt for options that make the transition to the they want. This shift in message can be In addition to research, next phase of education easier and more profound,” Williams says. the project will focus on successful for students.” She points to Brownsville Early important issues in dual enrollment such In under-resourced districts, College High School (BECHS) in as ensuring quality curriculum, funding postsecondary institutions have a variety Brownsville, Texas, as an example of models, and return on investment. These of options for helping administrators inclusive recruitment. Located in a components each play a role in growing offer rigorous courses their schools might school district that is nearly 99 percent the number of underrepresented not otherwise be able to afford — thus Hispanic and Latinx, BECHS provides students who enroll in dual credit allowing them to be more competitive recruitment materials and school programs as a way to kickstart their with charter and private schools, documents in both English and Spanish. higher education and increase their odds according to Education Dive. Its messaging includes information for of college success, Pruitt says.● Community colleges, for example, can parents on the benefits of college level help low-income districts by allowing coursework. Guidance counselors ensure Miun Gleeson is a contributing writer students to directly attend on-campus that every student in the Brownsville for INSIGHT Into Diversity. classes taught by college faculty rather Independent School District learns

Dual credit programs rose drastically in popularity between the 2002 – 2003 and 2010.– 2011 school years, when student enrollment grew by 80 percent, insightintodiversity.com 29 according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Religious Diversity is the Missing Piece in Campus DEI Work By Ginger O’Donnell

30 April 2020 As an undergraduate at the opposed to a “norm” within the DEI Buddhist, Rastafarian, and Hindu University of Illinois in the late 1990s, realm, IFYC has made incredible communities, according to the Rev. Eboo Patel was president of the Honor progress in the last 18 years. In Gloria Winston-Harris, director Student Council, a resident adviser, addition to advancing the development of NCCU’s Office of Spiritual and a member of multiple social justice of interfaith studies as an academic Development and Dialogue. organizations. Each role came with discipline, the group has helped Winston-Harris worked with its own diversity, equity, and inclusion approximately 500 institutions cultivate IFYC to conduct a campus inventory (DEI) trainings. Yet almost none emphasized religious diversity, he says. “Here we were on a college campus An Introduction to Interfaith Studies at a time when religious identity was making big noise in the world of public As defined by Interfaith Youth Core, Interfaith Studies is an “interdisciplinary field that examines the multiple dimensions of how people who orient around affairs and global politics,” says Patel, religion differently interact with one another, and the implications of these “and we were talking about seemingly interactions for communities, civil society, and global politics.” every diversity issue but religion.” There are approximately 300 Interfaith Studies courses and between 40 His own experiences as a young man to 50 Interfaith Studies minors and course sequences currently offered at from a liberal Muslim family helped American colleges and universities, according to Patel. In learning how to support religiously diverse individuals and groups, students explore a variety him recognize that religious identity of academic domains, including theology, sociology, psychology, political was the missing piece of campus DEI philosophy, and even neuroscience. work and inspired him to found the Interfaith Studies is different from the field of comparative religions in Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) in 2002. that it focuses less on religions as belief systems, but more on interreligious His goal was to promote interfaith dialogue, according to Patel. The discipline includes pragmatic approaches for leading diverse communities in disaster relief situations or healthcare engagement among college students settings, for example. with the hope that these efforts would serve as a model for interfaith cooperation on a broader scale. In a diverse society “where religious communities make up the largest part more inclusive campus climates. to gauge the level of interreligious of our social capital,” encouraging Colleges and universities of all engagement on campus and identify positive interactions between people of types.— religious, private, and public.— areas for improvement. Following the different faiths is vital, he says. have used IFYC’s year-long strategic inventory, the university established a Today, IFYC’s 40-person team of planning grants and consultation daily interfaith prayer gathering and a communications professionals and services to expand upon existing efforts bimonthly Jumu’ah prayer meeting, the seasoned higher education leaders and maximize the effectiveness of Muslim midday group prayer service is oversees a plethora of programs interfaith programming. traditionally held on Fridays. NCCU and resources uniquely designed also hosts Christian worship services North Carolina Central for four distinct groups: students, every second and fourth Sunday. University (NCCU) alumni, faculty, and campus staff and A small group of students administrators. North Carolina Central who serve as “interfaith Among the organization’s offerings University (NCCU) is a ambassadors” developed their are a leadership institute for students historically Black institution leadership skills by attending and educators, as well as a yearlong with an enrollment of IFYC’s Interfaith Leadership coaching program for students approximately 8,000 students. Institute (ILI), where they to learn how to bridge religious Founded in 1910 as a religious learned “language for welcoming Rev. Gloria worldviews on campus. IFYC also training school, NCCU is Winston- the other,” Winston-Harris says. provides grant funding and guidance now a public university with Harris They were also able to share for campus groups working to a predominantly Christian information with students from improve interfaith engagement, plus student population. However, other colleges and universities teaching materials and a multitude of the campus is perfectly situated for about what it’s like to do interfaith online resources. interfaith engagement. In addition work at an HBCU, which tend to be While Patel says that interfaith to having a growing Muslim student majority Christian environments where cooperation remains a “niche” as population, NCCU is surrounded by religious inclusion requires a high level

insightintodiversity.com 31 Eboo Patel founded IFYC in 2002 to promote interreligious Students attend IFYC’s annual Interfaith Leadership Institute in dialogue in social justice movements on college campuses and Chicago, a three-day gathering designed to help participants beyond. He is the author of four books about religious pluralism bridge worldview differences. and interfaith leadership.

of intentionality and persistence. a substantial population of Christians interfaith engagement. According to This intentionality is evident in the from non-Presbyterian denominations Henderson, giving a prominent voice daily prayer service, led by NCCU’s and students from multiple other to someone with a secular worldview interfaith ambassadors. Students of any religious backgrounds and belief “made a compelling case to our campus faith can submit prayer requests to a systems, according to Suzanne and wider community that we were “God of all,” Winston-Harris says. The Henderson, PhD, philosophy and serious about the inclusive nature of our interfaith prayer is held in a meditation religion department chair and dean of interfaith work.” room without any religious symbols and the Belk Chapel. Queens has also incorporated explicitly excludes hand-holding out During the 2017-2018 interfaith principles into its of respect for Muslim students, who academic year, Henderson curriculum, from study abroad may not want physical contact with and other religious leaders seminars that prepare students members of the opposite sex. at Queens began the to visit international sacred sites NCCU’s interfaith ambassadors have process of developing to nursing and education classes “been a huge blessing,” Winston-Harris what would eventually be that focus on religious cultural Suzanne says. “If you can start with students called the Presbyterian and Henderson competency skills. The school being the leaders, then they set the Pluralist Plan. The project developed this curriculum with example for other students that can was made possible by a the help of the Wabash Center for identify with them.” strategic planning grant from IFYC. Teaching and Learning in Religion and In addition to offering assistance, The Presbyterian and Pluralist Plan’s Theology, an educational group that IFYC staff want to hear about mission is not only to better serve and supports professors of theology and innovations on individual campuses and welcome campus community members religion. spread the word, Winston-Harris says. of all affiliations, but to better equip Utah Valley University “I have found (their interest) to be students and employees with the skills very encouraging. You’re not working in to engage with religiously diverse Utah Valley University (UVU) is a a silo — your work matters because it communities in their professional lives. public institution with more than impacts others who are trying to figure “Our PC U.S.A affiliation grounds, 37,000 students, 75 percent of whom this out,” she says. supports, and strengthens (this) belong to the Church of Jesus Christ commitment,” Henderson notes. of Latter-day Saints (often referred Queens University As part of the plan, Queens hosts to as the LDS Church or Mormon Queens University in Charlotte, North a “Presbyterian and Pluralists Week” Church), according to Brian D. Birch, Carolina is a Christian institution at the beginning of every school year. PhD, director of the Religious Studies affiliated with the Presbyterian Church The first keynote speaker in 2019 program and the Center for the Study U.S.A. (PC U.S.A.) The university has was a secular humanist who promotes of Ethics.

32 April 2020 In contrast to the strong among other activities. Mormon presence on “Regardless of their own 2017 Religious Diversity campus, nearly 20 percent religious or secular orientation, of UVU students have no our students are generally very Among U.S Adults religious affiliation, he says. energized by (religious diversity) Birch and other religious issues,” Birch says. leaders at UVU consulted Brian D. Birch Among the council’s IFYC in developing their accomplishments was successfully Interreligious Engagement working with campus facilities Initiative, a campus-wide strategy for to find prayer spaces for a Saudi implementing interfaith programming. Arabian student group. Additionally, One result of the collaboration was the they invited a group called the Secular construction of a Reflection Center Student Alliance to participate in where all students can meditate or pray. interfaith events at UVU. n Protestant/Other Christian 48.5% The initiative also led to interfaith Student organizers on campus n Catholic 22.7% n No religious identity 21.3% n Other non-Christian religion 2.9% n Jewish 2.1% n Mormon 1.8% n Muslim 0.8%

Source: Gallup

the Interfaith Diversity Experiences & Attitudes Longitudinal Survey, which tracked the interfaith engagement of college students for four academic years beginning in the 2015-2016 school year. A major takeaway, he says, is that supporting religious pluralism bolsters UVU’s Reflection Center was constructed in 2013 as part of the university’s Student all facets of DEI work. Life & Wellness Building. In addition to providing space for meditation, prayer, reflection, and other forms of individual religious expression, the center hosts reading Such findings reinforce Patel’s groups, lectures, workshops, and other activities supporting interfaith dialogue. original belief in the importance of interreligious dialogue to all social justice causes. In many ways, the cooperation of social activists training for all UVU faculty and staff, also helped organize the Interfaith from different faith backgrounds which has been administered to 190 Leadership Lab with assistance from a has been a driving force behind employees so far. grant awarded by IFYC. The lab serves the eradication of slavery, the Civil This “Interfaith 101” training, as as a regional version of IFYC’s annual Rights Movement, and other of Birch describes it, gives participants the leadership institute in Chicago, allowing society’s most powerful efforts toward chance to construct narratives around students from nearby states to “learn equality.— thus demonstrating why their own religious identities and more about what interfaith leadership this work is imperative to higher worldviews and to identify gaps in their means and to help connect them with education, he says. understanding of religious diversity. the work of IFYC,” Birch says. “I think it’s powerful to realize that Birch and other UVU leaders also A growing body of research supports the United States is the world’s first organized the Interfaith Student this mission. Matthew Mayhew, PhD, a religiously diverse democracy and that Council, which consists of 10 members professor at The Ohio State University political philosophers for centuries from different faith backgrounds. The who studies interfaith experiences in believed that such a society was council learns about strategies for higher education, says that inclusion of impossible.”● encouraging interfaith engagement different religious identities translates at ILI and uses these skills to offer into “more appreciative attitudes” toward Ginger O’Donnell is the assistant assistance to campus affinity groups, diversity in general. Mayhew co-created editor of INSIGHT Into Diversity.

insightintodiversity.com 33 Diversity Education Is Not Enough Friendship Is the Key to Bridging Ideological Differences

By Kevin Singer, Alyssa Rockenbach, PhD, Tara Hudson, PhD, Matthew Mayhew, PhD, and Ben Correia-Harker, PhD

Friendship is the hardest Interfaith Diversity Experiences different worldview were more likely to and Attitudes Longitudinal Survey say they were highly appreciative of that thing in the world to explain. (IDEALS) shows that “interworldview” particular belief system or worldview. It's not something you learn friendships — those that cross religious, What’s more, researchers discovered in school. But if you haven't spiritual, and other differences — carry an overall effect whereby students in learned the meaning of many benefits for college students. interworldview friendships were more IDEALS followed a cohort of likely to develop positive attitudes friendship, you really haven't students who attended 122 diverse toward others of all worldviews. learned anything. American colleges and universities For example, making a close atheist – Muhammad Ali between 2015 and 2019, tracking friend encourages students, on the changes in interfaith learning and whole, to become more appreciative Americans, especially those who are development — as well as trends in their of Buddhists, Evangelical Christians, college-aged, are in the midst of a friendships — over time. The report, Hindus, Jews, Latter-day Saints, and friendship crisis. A recent poll from titled Friendships Matter: The Role of Peer Muslims at the same time. international research firm YouGov Relationships in Interfaith Learning and The study also suggests that, found that 22 percent of millennials Development, reflects the experiences when tested, these relationships say they have no friends, while a 2018 of 7,194 students who responded to showed resilience. Nearly two- study by Cigna determined that young the first two waves of IDEALS at the thirds of first-year college students adults — those who are ages 18 to beginning of their first year in college in maintained friendships despite having 22 — are the “loneliest generation.” fall 2015 and at the conclusion of that incompatible worldviews. Many Cigna also found that only 53 percent academic year in spring 2016. first-term college students who had of all Americans have meaningful The findings revealed that, in some disagreements with friends regarding social interactions such as extended cases, first-year students who become religion or politics remained friends. conversations with friends or quality close friends with someone who has a Perhaps the most striking finding, time with family on a daily basis. Perhaps even more concerning, however, is that the few friendships U.S. adults do have are primarily with people who share their own backgrounds and worldviews. Americans rarely socialize with those who do not have similar religious and political beliefs, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, according to a 2015 study by research firm Barna. In our polarized social and political climate, are U.S. college students making diverse friendships on campus? How common are these friendships, and how do these relationships affect student attitudes and personal growth? And how can colleges and universities support Participants at IFYC’s annual Interfaith Leadership Institute. The institute offers separate the development of these relationships? trainings to students and educators new to interfaith work as well as to those who are A highly anticipated report from advanced leaders in this area. Interfaith Youth Core and the

34 April 2020 This step includes locating spaces on campus where diverse students can just The Power of Friendship “hang out” together without pressure A powerful example for students is the story of the friendship between Evan Low, a California state legislator who is both a Democrat and a to engage in planned activities as well member of the state’s LGBT Legislative Caucus, and Barry H. Corey, as funding collaborative programs and the president of the conservative Christian institution Biola University. social opportunities such as shared The two wrote about their bond in a 2017 piece for The Washington meals between different worldview Post titled “We first battled over LGBT and religious rights. Here’s how groups. Student affairs administrators we became friends.” can establish orientation or residence In 2016, Low — who was then head of the LGBT caucus — and Corey life programming or general education represented opposite sides of a California legislative debate over LGBTQ student protections and the religious freedom of faith-based initiatives that connect diverse students. colleges and universities to act in accordance with their religious Conditions like these can cultivate a convictions. However, they began talking and listening to each other’s welcoming, inclusive campus community perspective rather than simply arguing. and be seeds that grow into friendships “The collision began morphing into a cooperation,” Low and Corey as students regularly interact. wrote in the Post. Few other sources are more “This time last year the two of us were foes in a religious liberty influential in a student’s college skirmish, but now we are friends.” Although they admit they don’t agree on everything, they have experience than their peers. Although committed to working together on supporting first-generation and direct oversight of students’ friendships underrepresented students, advocating for college affordability, and by educators is neither possible nor combatting campus sexual assault. desirable, campus professionals are certainly able to cultivate a context where people are more likely to reach across lines of difference. When educators conscientiously and skillfully however, is that when it comes to To some, these findings may attend to creating these conditions, not preparing students for a diverse not be surprising, yet as educators only do they inspire friendships that society, friendships appear to have an and scholars have contended that directly benefit students, but they also influence over and above experiencing American campuses must become work to strengthen the social fabric a welcoming campus climate, support more inclusive and civil, the necessary for a thriving democracy.● to freely express one’s worldview, importance of helping students and meaningful yet challenging develop diverse friendships receives Kevin Singer is a PhD student in encounters with diverse peers. Close little attention. How can educators higher education at North Carolina relationships with peers different encourage students to become more State University, where he serves as a from themselves play an especially aware of their friendship patterns and research associate for IDEALS. Alyssa important role in enhancing students’ to intentionally disrupt tendencies to Rockenbach, PhD, is a professor of pluralism orientation, or openness to seek only like-minded friends? higher education at North Carolina those who hold worldviews different First, educators can tell stories State University and co-principal from their own. to students that encourage them to investigator on IDEALS. Tara Friendship also has a positive reflect upon their social circles and Hudson, PhD, is an assistant professor association with students’ development understand the benefits of close of higher education administration of a pluralism orientation beyond the friendships across difference. at Kent State University. Matthew effects of casual interfaith behaviors Second, educators and campus Mayhew, PhD, is the William Ray such as dining or studying with leaders can explicitly point out and Marie Adamson Flesher Professor someone of a different religious or non- their expectation for students to of Educational Administration at religious perspective. form these friendships during their The Ohio State University and co- Of course, these casual interfaith collegiate career and explain how these principal investigator on IDEALS. interactions provide opportunities relationships will encourage growth. Ben Correia-Harker, PhD, is for diverse friendships to form. Third, administrators and educators Associate Director of Engineering and But sometimes, casual interactions can consider how to design physical Innovation Leadership Development remain just that — casual. A hurdle spaces and programmatic experiences at Marquette University’s OPUS for educators to consider is students’ that not only put students of College of Engineering and formerly propensity to develop friendships different worldviews in proximity and Director of Assessment and Research exclusively with peers who are connection with one another, but also at Interfaith Youth Core. religiously or politically similar to them. promote friendship development.

insightintodiversity.com 35 special report: Schools of Journalism and Communications

Nonprofits and Journalism Schools Aim to Diversify the Profession by Developing New Talent

By Ginger O’Donnell and Mariah Stewart

Diversity and cultural competency have long been a struggle in the journalism industry. In fact, diversity in the profession is so lacking that newsroom employees are more likely than all other Newsroom Demographics

U.S. workers to be White and male, according to a According to a Pew Research Center 2016 study by the Pew Research Center. analysis of 2012-2016 U.S. census data, 77 percent of journalists* are White and 61 percent are men. By In order to tell stories that authentically comparison, 65 percent of U.S. represent and resonate with marginalized workers overall are White and 53 communities, the news media must incorporate percent are men. The Pew Center notes that more underrepresented voices. Doing so requires newsrooms are beginning to improving recruitment, support, and retention for improve when it comes to gender diverse students and journalists as well as creating representation, with the percentage of journalists ages 18 to 29 being more inclusive work and educational environments. almost equally divided between women and men. The extent of transgender and gender-nonconforming The following journalism schools, nonprofit representation in U.S. newsrooms organizations, and foundations are leading the is less certain, as data on the way when it comes to intentional, strategic efforts percentage of journalists who identify as such is not readily available. toward this end. They offer innovative programs Ethnic and racial diversity in the for diverse storytellers to develop their talents, and profession continues to lag, as less they inspire underrepresented students to pursue than a quarter of journalists between the ages of 18 to 29 are non-White, careers in journalism and communications. They according to the Pew Center. also provide the funding and professional support *Includes reporters, editors, that make these opportunities possible. photographers, and videographers working in newspaper, broadcast, and online news services

36 April 2020 Nonprofits

City Bureau ProPublica City Bureau is a nonprofit civic journalism ProPublica is a nonprofit lab founded in 2015 and located on news organization that has Chicago’s South Side. It promotes demonstrated a thorough community engagement by offering commitment to recruiting opportunities to citizens who have no prior and retaining journalists experience in journalism. who have traditionally Offerings include an 11-week fellowship been underrepresented in program, a yearlong residency, and a weekly investigative reporting. Its workshop series known as The Public diversity efforts include Newsroom. The goal of these workshops pipeline programs, inclusive is to provide a space for discussion where hiring practices, and a focus journalists can share information with the on retention. Students and journalists attend The Data public on topics such as producing one’s The Emerging Reporters Institute in New York City in 2019. Co-hosted own video stories and utilizing the Freedom Program, created in 2016, by ProPublica and The Ida B. Wells Society, the of Information Act. awards five fellowships per institute is a 12-day intensive training on data, “We think the creation of spaces like this year to underrepresented coding, and design in journalism. could have a deep, long-term impact on journalism students. Fellows American journalism. We’re breaking down receive a $9,000 stipend, barriers to bring diverse perspectives into are mentored by ProPublica staff, and get to spend a week in the newsrooms,” City Bureau’s website states. organization’s New York City newsroom. The organization focuses on how As far as recruitment, ProPublica visits Minority-Serving Institutions big picture issues affect local Chicago and affinity conferences. In 2018, it added the Rooney Rule to its communities. In 2018, for example, it hosted employment process, thus requiring hiring managers to interview at least a forum.— one of dozens — that explored one person of color for every open position. how media should report on crime in the city. ProPublica’s success in this area is reflected in its newsroom’s “More than 60 local reporters, organizers and demographics; as of January 2019, 45 percent of its editorial staff were concerned residents attended the workshop women and 32 percent were non-White. ¢ propublica.com to help generate new guidelines for covering this topic,” the website states. ¢ citybureau.org

The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) The Ida B. Wells Society is a news trade ICFJ offers talented reporters who are underrepresented in the field the organization that helps to cultivate and chance to gain professional experience abroad through the Bringing retain diverse talent in journalism by Home the World Fellowship program. providing professional development, Created in 2011, the program improves coverage of underreported networking, and other support. global issues by diversifying the pool of international storytellers. The group offers free or low-cost Many participants come regional career training and a yearlong from small- and medium- fellowship that includes investigative sized publications with reporting lessons in New York City from tight budgets; one-third accomplished journalists. Reporters of have told ICFJ that the all ethnicities and races who support the opportunity helped them overarching mission of the society are advance in their careers. welcome to become members, according With the assistance of to the website. sponsors, ICFJ finances The Ida B. Wells Society was founded fellows for up to two by Black journalists who noticed the weeks of in-country lack of racial diversity in the field of reporting — covering the investigative journalism. In 2016, the costs of travel, lodging, organization officially launched with the interpreters, and more. The support of the Open Society Foundation, organization also hosts an the Ford Foundation, and the Craig orientation in Washington, Newmark Graduate School of Journalism D.C., that includes training Melissa Noel, a Bringing Home the World at the City University of New York. on safety, multimedia Fellow, reporting from Jamaica in 2017 It is named in honor of Wells, a storytelling, and working pioneering African American reporter who with interpreters. ICFJ staff exposed racial injustices in the late 19th connects fellows with mentors who have knowledge of the country they and early 20th centuries. are visiting and can help them find sources on the ground. ¢ idabwellssociety.org Fellows are required to publish their stories in U.S. media outlets as well as in the center’s online collection of stories. To date, the program has supported 100 fellows. ¢ icfj.org

insightintodiversity.com 37 Foundations

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Scripps Howard Foundation Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism The Scripps Howard Foundation is the philanthropic branch of Education (MIJE) the E.W. Scripps Company, an American broadcasting group. The The prolific John S. and James L. Knight Foundation foundation’s mission is to create a better-informed world through is dedicated to promoting the arts, developing journalism education and childhood literacy. Among its many well-informed communities, and protecting First efforts to support diversity in journalism is a yearlong fellowship. Amendment rights in journalism. The Scripps Howard Fellowship Program — created in When it comes to supporting diversity in news partnership with ProPublica.— is designed to develop “a diverse media, the Knight Foundation takes the stance that pool of talented young journalists with the foundational skills for traditional strategies fail to address the “institutional future leadership,” according to a press release. Fellows specialize racism and unconscious biases that pervade many in either investigative reporting for video or data reporting and news organizations,” according to its website. As are paid $50,000 with full such, the foundation supports comprehensive and benefits. The fellowship also innovative efforts such as MIJE’s new Equity and includes training in career Inclusion Transformation Program. management, leadership With the help of a $1.2 million investment and collaboration, and from the Knight Foundation, the program will entrepreneurship. integrate trained specialists in newsrooms to The foundation offers a help better inform underserved communities and multitude of other resources establish more inclusive work environments for for diverse student and underrepresented reporters. professional journalists, MIJE, which describes itself as America’s oldest including additional fellowship news organization dedicated to the accurate and internship programs, coverage and representation of “all segments of university partnerships, grants, society, particularly those often overlooked, such as centers for investigative Entertainer and writer Robert communities of color,” plans to select newsrooms journalism, and an annual Townsend accepts the Living Legend Award during the 2019 Bounce Trumpet to participate in the program through a national journalism award that grants $170,000 in prize money Awards ceremony, which celebrates application process. African American achievements and across 16 categories. The donation to MIJE is part of a five-year, $300 excellence. The award show is owned million commitment by the Knight Foundation to ¢ scripps.com/foundation in part by the E.W. Scripps Company, strengthen local news and rebuild public trust in whose foundation supports the journalism, according to its website. development of Black journalists. ¢ knightfoundation.org; mije.org

Higher Education

The Missouri School of Journalism at the University of Missouri In August 2016, the Missouri School of Journalism launched the Student Development, Diversity, & Inclusion Program to advance diversity on campus and in the news media. The program’s recruitment strategy includes personal visits to underserved high schools by journalism professor Ronald B. Kelley, who serves as the program’s executive director. This strategy extends to high schools across 10 key cities, according to Kelley. Thus far, approximately 30 students of color from these high schools have enrolled in the Missouri School of Journalism, he says. The program also hosts summer workshops for diverse high schoolers, including the longstanding Missouri University Journalism Workshop and two more recent offerings for underrepresented students interested in investigative reporting or advertising and public relations. Students from the National Association of Black Beyond recruitment, the Missouri School of Journalism supports diverse Journalists – MU chapter visit Urban One Radio in Atlanta students by pairing them with alumni mentors who help guide their during their annual media tour, which gives them the chance to learn about jobs and internship opportunities education and careers. ¢ journalism.missouri.edu in various U.S. cities.

38 April 2020 TOGETHER WE CAN WRITE TOMORROW

At Klein College of Media and Communication, the values

of diversity, equity and inclusion course through our TEMPLE UNIVERSITY hallways, and provide a foundation for our urban-focused curriculum and programs. KLEIN COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

TEMPLE UNIVERSITY No stranger to being a leader in tackling a wide range of

complex and often times controversial issues, Klein has KLEIN COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION become known for fostering diversity and inclusion. From

the make-up of our student body to the background of our TEMPLE UNIVERITY faculty to the type of social justice issues we bring to light through media and communication, Klein is harnessing KLEIN COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION the power of diversity in service of shared understanding. TEMPLE UNIVERITY klein.temple.edu KLEIN COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION The University of Arizona University of Southern School of Journalism California Annenberg School for As a result of strategic diversity and Communication and Journalism inclusion planning, the University (USC Annenberg) of Arizona School of Journalism In 2017, leaders of USC Annenberg increased its population of created a five-year strategic plan for underrepresented students by 19.7 improving diverse representation in percent between 2005 and 2016. journalism and media. Among the school’s recruitment Among the plan’s successes thus far efforts is an annual summer workshop is an increased endowment to provide for underrepresented high school scholarships for underrepresented students. It has hosted The New students. Donors were so supportive Arizona high school students York Times Student Journalism of this effort that the school is now Institute several times in recent years, attending the 2018 Donald W. Carson Journalism Diversity Workshop reviewing the possibility of additional providing 20 diverse students across practice their photography skills on endowment goals to support other areas the U.S. with the opportunity to train the UA campus. of student need, according to Peggy with the prestigious newspaper’s Bustamante, associate professor and editors and reporters. associate dean for diversity, inclusion and The school’s dedication to diversity is also evident in its focus on equity at the school. cross-cultural experiences and course offerings. Its Arizona Sonora News The plan also includes new mentoring service allows students to report on the U.S.-Mexico border. Its Center for programs for diverse faculty and the Border & Global Journalism, launched in 2014, supports both students and revamping of two existing mentoring professional journalists in reporting across national and cultural barriers. programs for students. These two Furthermore, the school offers multicultural journalism courses in programs.— one involving faculty mentors partnership with other University of Arizona departments, as well as dual and one for alumni mentors — have been master’s degrees that combine the study of journalism with Latin American redesigned to maximize benefits for studies and Middle Eastern and North African studies. individuals from underrepresented groups. ¢ journalism.arizona.edu ¢ annenberg.org

Our May 2020 Issue: Medical, Pharmacy, Veterinary, and other 2020 ® Health Professions Schools Top Colleges for Diversity

Our May issue will focus on diversity and inclusion issues and initiatives at medical, pharmacy, veterinary, and other health professions schools across the U.S. 2020 heed Award This special report presents a unique opportunity to showcase your university’s healthcare schools to the readers of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. applications The advertising deadline is April 8. For advertising information, email [email protected]. are now available

Health Professions

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Apply at insightintodiversity.com/heedaward

40 April 2020 COMMITTED TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

Clemson University has been a top-ranked public university by U.S. News & World Report for 12 consecutive years. The University has been classifi ed as a Carnegie R1 research university that creates economic opportunities. Faculty, staff and students contribute to Clemson’s national reputation as a great place to study, live and work, and the University invites others to learn more about career opportunities at clemson.edu/careers. To promote inclusive excellence, the University’s Men of Color National Summit works to increase the number of African American and Hispanic males who fi nish high school and complete college.

CLEMSON LEADING THE WAY • Call Me MISTER® increases the pool of available teachers from a broader, more diverse background. • The Charles H. Houston Center for the Study of the Black Experience in Education examines issues that impact the educational experiences of African Americans. • Clemson Career Workshop supports college readiness of high-achieving students from diverse populations. • Emerging Scholars helps establish a college-going culture among students from the state’s economically disadvantaged areas. The summit is open to high school • The Erwin Center Summer Scholars Program gives students from and college students, community HBCUs and other universities an opportunity to engage with marketing, leaders and professionals. advertising and communication professionals. • The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center supports and advocates for all Clemson students’ needs while providing diverse and SAVE THE DATE experiential learning opportunities. Men of Color National Summit • PEER/WISE provides collaborative experiences for underrepresented April 15-16, 2021 students and women in science and engineering. • Tiger Alliance mentors and prepares African American and Hispanic high school males for college entrance and success.

National Media Sponsor

2019 ® Top Colleges for Diversity special report: Schools of Journalism and Communications

Journalists as First Responders: Educators Teach Trauma-Informed Reporting, Self-Care

By Ginger O’Donnell

42 April 2020 “My first actual study was of photojournalists. There’s some question Lulu Ramadan became a breaking Mortimer, a former journalist turned that because photojournalists are news reporter for The Palm Beach Post therapist. closer to the action, they are more visible for harassment. Because they’re shortly after earning her journalism Now, journalism schools and working with images, they may be more degree from Florida Atlantic University. professors are arming students with vulnerable to occupational effects.” By the time she was 23 years old, the skills to cover distressing events — Elena Newman Ramadan had covered three mass in a way that does justice to — rather shootings and a total of 71 gun-related than re-traumatizing — communities deaths in Southern Florida. According while protecting their own mental and to an article in The New Yorker, the emotional well-being. Journalism, offers myriad resources for tragedies on her beat included the These priorities reinforce each other, educators and students on producing June 2016 Orlando Pulse night club according to Newman. trauma-informed journalism. massacre, the January 2017 Fort “Ethical reporting on trauma leads to Dartcenter.org contains tip sheets, Lauderdale Airport shooting, and the good mental health among journalists,” articles, videos, and expert interviews mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman she says. on topics such as avoiding the re- Douglas High School in Parkland in victimization of survivors of tragedy February 2018. during the interview process. Another “I knew I’d have to cover tragedy. I’d Mortimer, whose journalist important lesson is how to responsibly like to think I’m pretty comfortable and father was killed on duty in El report on suicide so as to prevent Salvador in 1989, leveraged her almost good at it, but I never expected suicide contagion — the phenomenon own trauma by co-founding a to do it this often,” Ramadan told The mental health organization for that causes increased suicidal thoughts New Yorker in 2018. journalists and humanitarian and behaviors in people who have been Sadly, Ramadan is far from alone. aid workers called The Mind exposed to stories of others taking For news reporters, there is “trauma in Field. Based in Europe, it their own lives. currently provides Skype every beat,” from homicide to accidental The website also offers classroom therapy sessions in multiple death to natural disaster, says Elena languages to approximately resources developed by Amy Schmitz Newman, PhD, research director for 50 journalists across the world. Weiss, a Dart Academic Fellow and the Dart Center for Journalism & associate professor of journalism at San Trauma at Columbia University and the Diego State University. Her teaching McFarlin Professor of Psychology at materials specifically address issues Columbia University the University of Tulsa. relevant to student journalists, including “People need to understand that The Dart Center for Journalism & reporting on campus rape and sexual 60 percent of the U.S. public has Trauma, operated by The Columbia assault and using social media to share been exposed to a traumatic stressor, University Graduate School of information about tragedies. which means that journalism students have been exposed. This makes them both vulnerable and stronger,” Newman says. The stress reporters face is exacerbated by the current American political climate, with President Donald Trump referring to journalists as “enemies of the people” and delegitimizing their work as “fake news,” says Michigan State University journalism professor Geri Alumit Zeldes, PhD. Historically, many in Ramadan’s position have turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol and substance Attendees at Columbia University’s Dart Center for Journalism & Trauma’s Sept. 2019 event, “From Refugee Children to Climate Change: Global Challenges in an Age of abuse or workaholism Nationalism.” Panelists included H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, president of to manage the stress the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly and former foreign minister of Ecuador, Geri Alumit of repeatedly covering Zeldes and NPR International Correspondent Deborah Amos. trauma, says Anna

insightintodiversity.com 43 The seeds for the Dart Center types.— from those covering local communities as the election unfolds. were planted nearly three news in their hometowns to overseas As part of the grant, MSU recently decades ago at Michigan war correspondents. Despite their hosted an online workshop titled State University (MSU) when differences, “one thing almost all “Covering Civil Unrest, Riots, and psychiatrist and trauma of them said was ‘I really wish I Protests” that was led by Global science pioneer Frank Ochberg established a small program to had learned how to properly cover Journalists Security, a safety training assist MSU journalism students traumatic events and how this organization for news media and with their reporting on victims work affects the mental health of employees of nongovernmental of violence. His work was funded journalists,’” Kess says. organizations. The workshop by a private family charity called Now an administrator and covered how to protect oneself the Dart Foundation. In 1999, the first Dart Center for Journalism adjunct instructor in the BU on the job from aggressive and Trauma was founded in College of Communication, individuals.— including sexual the University of Washington Kess teaches a course aggressors — and how to Department of Communications. titled Trauma Journalism, safeguard equipment, as well The center relocated to which she created in fall as working as a team in volatile Columbia University in 2009. 2018. Visiting experts talk Sarah Kess situations such as protests. The Ochberg Society for Trauma to students about ethical Later in the day, participants Journalism began as an alumni reporting; staff members learned strategies for self-care and organization for former Ochberg from a local rape crisis center, for coping with trauma from a counselor Fellows affiliated with the Dart example, speak about the impact and yoga instructor. Center. The fellowship convenes experienced journalists for a that news media can have on rape MSU journalism students will week of seminars about ethics, culture. A family therapist advises on further develop these skills as they craft, and practice related interviewing traumatized children in undertake group reporting projects on to trauma-informed news ways that empower them rather than issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion coverage. The organization compounding their pain. related to the 2020 election, such as has since expanded to include a wide range of professional Kess teaches self-care by allocating women in politics and civil rights journalists whose work is each student a mental health day, issues on the campaign trail. Their embedded in trauma. encouraging them to take a step back work will be featured in the local when they feel overwhelmed. This publications Lansing State Journal and is a practice “journalists historically Battle Creek Enquirer, which are part of have not been great at,” she says, the USA Today Network. adding that burnout is common in the By addressing the need for trauma- profession. informed journalism, such efforts have From what Kess has observed, the the potential to revolutionize the way prominent role of trauma in news society tells and understands negative coverage weighs heavily on students, news stories — and to reinforce and the discussion-based class gives public trust in journalism as a tool for Columbia’s 2019 Ochberg Fellows them a space to “really grapple with empowering communities. issues that are already on their minds.” “If you can tell stories about devastation in innovative ways, Michigan State University (MSU) where people can engage with it and The Dart Center’s research unit, At MSU, journalism professors are understand it, then citizens can make led by Newman, offers a database focused on preparing their students democratic choices,” Newman says.● of relevant articles and is currently to safely cover the 2020 presidential conducting a needs analysis of election in a polarized country where Ginger O’Donnell is the assistant educators “from all accredited journalists increasingly face hostility editor of INSIGHT Into Diversity. journalism programs” who teach and mistrust. Columbia University is a 2015-2019 trauma-informed practices, she says. Zeldes and her colleague Joe Grimm INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher applied for and received a $10,450 Education Excellence in Diversity Boston University (BU) grant from MSU’s Office of Inclusion (HEED) Award recipient and a 2016- As managing editor of a magazine and Intercultural Initiatives to support 2019 INSIGHT Into Diversity Diversity affiliated with The Ochberg Society student journalists in covering politics Champion. for Trauma Journalism, Sarah Kess in their state as well as give voice interviewed beat reporters of all to Michigan’s underrepresented

44 April 2020 For Black Journalists, Covering Racial Violence and Inequity Takes an Emotional Toll

“It is with no pleasure that I have dipped their loved ones, are out there living my hands in the corruption here exposed. those stories. It seems to have fallen upon me to do so.” What it means — for the reporting we do, for the brands we represent, and for — African American journalist Ida B. Wells our own mental health — that we don't in the preface to her 1892 work Southern stop being black people when we're Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases working as black reporters. That we quite literally have skin in the game.

Black journalists in America are repeatedly At the same time that Black journalists called on to cover stories of racialized give voice to the traumatizing effects of violence and systemic inequity in African reporting about systemic racism, they are American communities. Covering what some also expressing their desire to be the ones call “the Black death beat” can cause serious telling these stories. Demby argues that mental and emotional distress and puts more African Americans covering “the journalists at risk for professional burnout. Black death beat” could lead to better In large part, these problems occur reportage, as Black journalists may be because the reporters are covering people better able to cultivate open relationships who resemble themselves and their loved with sources who are also African American ones. For example, Trymaine Lee, a Pulitzer or incorporate their own lived experiences Prize- and Emmy Award-winning journalist into their communication of these issues. who reported on the 2012 killing of Trayvon Taking the time to step away, attend to Martin, told NPR’s Code Switch team in 2015 self-care, and check in with other Black that he could have easily been Martin “every reporters through informal peer support single day of (his) upbringing.” networks is helpful, many African American Gene Demby, lead blogger for NPR’s Code journalists say. Ultimately, though, many Switch podcast, refers to this phenomenon Black journalists are returning to the beat, as the double vision effect, whereby Black embracing the power of storytelling and journalists see themselves in the victims they bringing their own personal determination are writing about. Demby writes: to bear on repeated injustice. The deep feelings that arise during this As calls for newsroom diversity get louder process strengthen the work of Black and louder — and rightly so.— we might reporters, according to Yamiche Alcindor, do well to consider what it means that a White House correspondent for PBS there's an emerging, highly valued NewsHour and a regular contributor to professional class of black reporters at other national outlets. boldface publications reporting on the As Alcindor told NPR in 2015, “I don’t shortchanging of black life in this country. ever want to stop completely being They're investigating police killings emotional. I feel like my humanity and segregated schools and racist housing strengthens my reporting.” policies and ballooning petty fines while — Ginger O’Donnell their loved ones, or people who look like

insightintodiversity.com 45 special report: Schools of Journalism and Communications

46 April 2020 CBS Correspondent Jeff Pegues Shares His Perspective on Diversity in Journalism and How to Persevere in an Industry Under Attack

By Mariah Bohanon

Jeff Pegues is a three-time Emmy What led you to your current position parents are children of the civil rights Award-winning journalist and the as CBS News’ Chief Justice and movement. They grew up in Alabama Chief Justice and Homeland Security Homeland Security Correspondent? and were heavily involved in marches Correspondent for CBS News. He is How and why did you choose this and protests and sit-ins. So I have that the author of the 2017 book Black and beat? I’ve been in this business for perspective as well. Blue: Inside the Divide between the Police quite some time and was fortunate Partly why I wrote the book and Black America and the 2018 work enough to work for some really is because I felt it was important Kompromat: How Russia Undermined successful local stations. In 2013, to try to bridge the divide in my American Democracy. when CBS News approached me about own unique way by pointing out Prior to joining CBS News in 2013, joining their news division, I started to people in the African American Pegues worked as reporter for local as a transportation correspondent, but community what police officers are stations in New York City, , after about a year and a half became thinking when they’re going into their Miami, Milwaukee, and Rockford, the Justice and Homeland Security neighborhoods. And (to give) young Illinois. His many accolades include Correspondent. This was right about cops coming on the beat a resource multiple Emmy Award nominations the time that Ferguson was unfolding that can inform them about why Black and the Sigma Delta Chi Award from on the national stage. You had Freddie communities have a history of distrust the Society of Professional Journalists. Gray in Baltimore and all sorts of of the police. It’s there in part because He is also the recipient of an honorary police and community relations issues. of how policing has developed in doctorate from Miami University in And I was just the right fit for those these communities, how it continues Oxford, Ohio, where he attended on a stories. I’d spent 30 years of my career to impact young Black males, and how football scholarship before graduating working in communities across the there are generations of hurt because with a bachelor’s degree in mass country covering (these types of) oftentimes police officers were on communication in 1992. In January stories, so in a way I didn’t really the frontlines of enforcing Jim Crow 2020, he was named to the university’s choose it. The beat sort of chose me. laws or other discriminatory policies. Board of Trustees. When you saw an officer, they weren’t Pegues spoke with INSIGHT about What inspired you to write a book there to help — they were there to his experiences as an African American about these events and policing arrest or harass. journalist reporting on events such as in Black communities? The fact In other communities, you grow up the 2014 murder of teenager Michael that I was the first Black Justice and seeing police as friends, as heroes, and Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Homeland Security Correspondent as people who are only there to help. what inspired him to write a book for CBS News gave me a unique But in the Black community, that isn’t on the rift between law enforcement perspective when it came to covering often the image that people have. I and Black communities. Pegues also Ferguson and all of these other thought it was important just to inform shared his thoughts on the challenges incidents. I’d covered law enforcement people about those differences. of working in the modern news media for so long that I knew for a fact that and what advice he gives to journalism the majority of police officers are What advice would you give to students as they prepare to enter a trying to do the right thing. You do a student journalist who has to profession experiencing turmoil, have bad apples, and post-Ferguson report on controversial and divisive skepticism, interference from foreign the focus was on (them), but 99 percent topics such as policing in Black bodies, and threats to personal safety become police officers because they communities or similar social issues? like never before. want to help their communities. For any young journalist, I think it Answers have been edited for clarity While I have that perspective, I bears pointing out what should be and length. am an African American man. My obvious, which is that it’s important to

insightintodiversity.com 47 represent all sides. Don’t go into these in the history of this business — is Pegues’ Published Works situations with your mind made up. journalism under attack. Sometimes as a young journalist, What is encouraging though, is that you think you know what the story is, I’ve seen major universities start new Black and Blue: Inside the but I’ve done this job for 30 years, and or build up their (existing) journalism Divide between the Police and every day I learn something new. That programs. I see that as a real positive. Black America is one of the benefits of the job — that you get to meet so many different, How can educators best prepare Published in May 2017, Black and Blue builds on Pegues’ experiences interesting people with so many students to succeed in this as a reporter covering the stories different, interesting opinions. challenging profession? As I was told of police shootings and community But the job is getting tougher. 30+ years ago, the key is writing. It’s protests in cities across the U.S. Using firsthand experience, in-depth There’s no doubt about that. With the most important thing, but because research, and close access to experts social media and everybody having an of texting and everything we do in and citizens on both sides of this opinion, you find yourself under attack short form these days, writing — or at divide, Pegues explains how the rift between Black sometimes. Or oftentimes, these days. least good writing — is something that America and law But you can’t let that deter you. enforcement In this democracy that we all love, began and where At this point in history, it is more the future might it is important to have facts for it to lead. The work thrive. At this point in history, it is important than ever that we have has been praised more important than ever that we for its unbiased the next generation of journalists presentation of have the next generation of journalists working hard to preserve the facts, the facts and working hard to preserve the facts, to for its ability tell the story as it is, not as someone to tell the story as it is, not as some- to provide a rare glimpse wants you to believe it is. one wants you to believe it is. at possible solutions. Can you expand on some of the current challenges for reporters you don’t see as much. and the journalism industry? The I would encourage professors to challenges that journalists face today ensure their students write as much as are from those who try to spread false possible. Have discussions about daily Kompromat: How Russia narratives and information and those events. Direct them to pick up the Undermined American who attack the media. newspaper, to watch the evening news, Democracy Currently, you have so much and really pay attention to what’s going As with Pegues’ first book, misinformation out there, and a lot on in the world. Kompromat expands on the larger of Americans get their news from Encourage them to pay closer story behind TV news reports. social media. Whenever I meet with attention to their environments. On Pegues’ research on Russian interference in American politics a young journalist or with students, I campuses, or even walking down began in summer 2016, when U.S. always remind them to read beyond a city street, you see the majority intelligence workers alerted him the headline. Get the facts. And read of people on their phones, heads that Russian hackers were possibly manipulating different sources of information. down, earphones in. I think that’s Americans via I wrote a book on how the Russian symptomatic of a bigger issue in this social media. government sort of perverted our country where we’ve tuned each other In Kompromat, he provides democracy with its disinformation out. When you’re not compelled to a detailed campaigns, and those (campaigns) get to know your neighbor, to talk to explanation of are ongoing as we all prepare to head the cop who maybe you see every day this interference, including a to the polls. That’s why it is more at Starbucks, then you’re not going warning on the important than ever that you find a to understand (one another). So, I consequences source for good, accurate journalism, would tell professors to make sure of ignoring this ongoing problem. because there are adversaries of this their students are paying attention country who want to influence what and aware of what’s going on in their you see, what you hear, how you think, surroundings. and ultimately how you vote. Right now, more than ever in What advice would you give to the 30 years that I’ve been in this students or new journalists who are business — and I think it’s fair to say underrepresented in the profession?

48 April 2020 SM Diversity is something that we talk a lot about at CBS News. It is something we are committed to because, as a news LEAD ON, organization, we are only as good as the people in our ranks. The more you DEDICATED MENTORS. represent the communities you cover, the more successful you will be. Like Kris Gutierrez ’99, Emmy award-winning I encourage students to see this as anchor for KPRC Channel 2 News in Houston a business with a tremendous amount of opportunity for people from all As a first-generation college graduate, Gutierrez learned backgrounds. If I’m not there pushing how much young journalists need mentors. Today, despite for stories that are reflective of African his busy TV news schedule, he pays it forward by Americans, then who will? If I’m not serving as a guest lecturer. there pushing for stories that, through Connecting students with successful alumni is just my personal experience, I think are one way we create tomorrow’s communicators. important to the larger audience, then who will? Learn more at That’s why diversity is so important, schieffercollege.tcu.edu/mentors. whether it comes to LGBTQ issues, issues affecting people of color, or issues that, for example, affect people in the Midwest. After the 2016 election, there was a lot of debate in the news world about if we missed something when it came to the people in the middle of the country and if we did enough to cover the issues that affect them. I think universally the conclusion was that we failed. That’s why there has to be diversity in so many ways, including geographic diversity. An organization can’t just have everyone from the same university or same part of the country. Our nation is incredibly diverse and becoming more so every day. As a news organization, our job is to reflect that diversity. “

Anything else future journalists should know? The key for young journalists is to pursue internships, because they often lead to jobs. There’s a bigger push to make sure the ranks of interns are diverse as well. Don’t think that just because you don’t go to Harvard or Yale that you’re not going to get an internship. We’re casting a wider net, so if you want to get into this business, try hard for that opportunity. It can really set you up for the future.●

Mariah Bohanon is the senior editor of INSIGHT Into Diversity.

insightintodiversity.com 49 closing insight

At Princeton, Portraits Honor African American

Blue-Collar Employees By Ginger O’Donnell

Clockwise from top right: Light on Brother features Jalen Long, former staff at Mamoun’s Falafel restaurant in the town of Princeton. Picturing Protest is a portrait of security officer Guy Packwood in front of the entrance to a 2018 art exhibit by the same name, which featured photographs from the civil rights era. Packwood expressed a strong connection to the events of that time in his conversations with artist Mario Moore. Powers Field depicts Hank Towns, the retired head equipment manager for Princeton’s athletics department. The Visit showcases Valeria Sykes, a food service worker for the campus dining services, who told Moore that her favorite leisure activity was detailing her car.

Many higher education institutions prominently display during his time as one of Princeton’s Hodder Fellows, a portraits of their founders or major donors. At Princeton program that gives emerging artists and writers “studious University, a new series of portraits showcases a different leisure” time to undertake new projects. set of contributors to the Ivy League campus: African Moore worked with each of his subjects to determine American blue-collar workers and service employees. how they wanted to be represented on canvas, as the The 10 people featured in the series work in facilities, goal of the portraits is to empower them and elevate their dining, grounds maintenance, and security. The portraits presence on campus. are “inspired by the plight of migrant Black families who In an interview with CNN, Tracy K. Smith, the chair of struggled for job opportunities and equal pay,” artist Princeton’s Lewis Center for the Arts, said Moore’s work Mario Moore told CNN. has “served to heal some of the lasting wounds of racial A 32-year-old Detroit native, Moore painted the series division that have long marred (the) institution’s history.”●

50 April 2020

Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication (HIHIC) The Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication (HIHIC) in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University promotes better understanding of 2019 ® Hispanic-related and international media communication through Top Colleges for Diversity research, teaching and community outreach.