Brown Univ
ersity in Providence, Rhode Island, recently released a report entitled Pathways to Diversity and Inclusion: An Action Plan for Brown University.
In releasing the report, Christina Paxson, president of Brown University, stated that “a diverse and inclusive academic community is foundational to every ambition we have as an institution of higher education. A diverse campus brings together the wealth of experiences and viewpoints that are critical for a vibrant intellectual community. An inclusive campus — one in which people from all backgrounds are respected and supported — is essential to fully realize the benefits of our diversity.”
President Paxson went on to add that “colleges and universities have a unique opportunity to address issues of structural racism, social justice, and inclusion. It’s part of Brown’s core mission to advance knowledge while preparing students to thrive in a world where problem-solving, innovation, and positive change are only made possible by the convergence of diverse perspectives and ideas.”
The report prioritizes actions in six areas:
- The report calls for the formulation and implementation of strategies to “identify, recruit and retain individuals from groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education.”
- Expanding Brown’s Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in American and the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice and to support research and teaching on issues of diversity and social justice around the world.
- Increasing funds for mentoring programs and expanding summer internship programs and research opportunities for underrepresented students.
- Increasing financial aid for low-income students and developing diversity training for students, faculty, and staff.
- Producing a campus climate study and improving data collection on the experiences of underrepresented students.
- Expanding the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and reporting annually to the campus community on progress on diversity issues.
Brown University attempts to be the last bastion of racial/ethnic equity and inclusion in this, the great state of Rhode Island and Providence PLANTATIONS. If the great Eastern Ivy League is serious about its noble platitudes and not just paying lip service to an issue that has blemished this wonderful state, perhaps your Powers that Be should make a good faith effort to change our state name so as not to be a constant reminder of its infamous past.