The Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: One year later

The Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion has completed its first year under Interim Chief Diversity Officer Elizabeth A. Moore, ’81, G-’94, & PhD ’11. While calls for racial justice were made throughout the country and the University, Dr. Moore re-envisioned the Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, reestablished their mission, and led and began foundational anti-racism work, making an early commitment to bilingually engage the Gallaudet community through multiple platforms and in various formats. 

A bilingual anti-racism statement that takes a clear and definitive stance against racially-motivated discrimination, bias, and harassment was developed and released. Likewise, The Gallaudet Pledge, a global approach to universal engagement which supports the fair and just treatment of all Gallaudet community members, was published on the University’s website. As a sign of campus solidarity and personal accountability, Gallaudet faculty, staff, and students continue to commit to becoming active equity advocates. 

Dr. Moore and the Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion have developed collaborative relationships with consulting firms specializing in equity planning and programming.

The Division is now transforming into a full-service internal consulting practice, providing strategic, systems-level training, consulting, and education while undergoing divisional restructuring which includes adding Executive Director, Faculty Administrator, Data Analyst, and Project Manager positions to the DEDI team.

Four existing roles have been redesigned and filled by current DEDI staff persons: Manager of Communication and Community Engagement (Alex Leffers, ’93), Manager of Intercultural Alliances (Elvia Guillermo Aguilar, G-’03), EDI Coordinator (Kala Granger, ’16), and Executive Assistant (Vanessa Slade).

Other changes include moving Mentoring Programs under the Division of Academic Affairs and moving the Students of Color Resource Center and the LGBTQA+ Resource Center under the Office of Multicultural Student Programs within Student Affairs).

The Division, along with multiple campus units, will continue to: 

• Support various groups and programs that address inequities;

• Guide the development of resource libraries;
  
• Assist with the transformation processes of the Department of Public Safety and Human Resources that identify and address inequities;

• Collaborate with various divisions and units to monitor the progression of the Center for Black Deaf Studies and the Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children;

• Explore opportunities for increased skill capacity (assessing cultural competence and engaging in leadership, skills development, and restorative justice training, etc.);

• Provide training and/or consultation to external organizations; and

• Create a network of Chief Diversity Officers and social justice and equity practitioners who work with deaf populations to develop global mobilization strategies and opportunities.

The Division remains wholly committed to intentionally and collaboratively providing a safe and welcoming bilingual learning environment where all community members––across the spectrum of identities––accept, appreciate, and affirm uniquely human experiences, perspectives, and talents.

There will be an Open Door program on Wednesday, September 22 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Hall Memorial Building Atrium. See the event flyer.