Governance, Purpose, Function
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (hereafter “DEI”) Committee is a joint faculty, staff, and student-led committee consisting of representatives of each academic college as well as key staff members and students who have a significant role in the development of strategies and best practices with regards to diversity and inclusion. The purpose of this committee is to develop and promote strategies and best practices within the realms of racial, social, sexual, and gender diversity. The DEI Committee further serves as an opportunity for non-committee members a place to provide suggestions and challenges for the DEI. The ultimate goal of this committee is to provide for the betterment of the Lindenwood University campus culture so that everyone is provided with a holistic educational, professional and inclusive experience.
Current Chair
Dr. Chajuana Trawick
Activities
The activities of the committee shall include but are not limited to:
- Reviewing campus policies that relate to diversity/inclusion and making recommendations for change and implementation where appropriate.
- Creating proposals, policies and best practices for hiring, retaining, and interacting with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
- Actively promoting diversity initiatives on campus and supporting those students, faculty, and staff who participate in such activities.
- Continually review literature and other research to make certain that Lindenwood University remains on the cutting edge of nationwide diversity initiatives.
Accomplishments
Revising of Lindenwood University Non-discrimination Policy- Established sexual assault reporting procedures
- Amended the list of “Timely Warnings” that appear in each email about a report of a sexual assault to include two points about consent, so that not all timely warnings are directed at the victim:
- "Consent is required before engaging in any form of sexual contact with another. Consent is an affirmative, knowing, and voluntary decision–clearly communicated through mutually understandable words and/or actions–to willingly engage in mutually acceptable sexual activity. Sexual contact without another’s consent is a crime"
- "Consent cannot be given by someone who is incapacitated"
- Helped establish Title IX Coordinator position
- ESL classroom change so that students will be on campus and feel part of the campus community
- Make sure international students are picked up at the airport and arrive to campus with basic materials (sheets, pillows, etc.)
- Coordinated two town halls for entire campus (fall and spring semesters)
- Proposed and Established (with approval of faculty and administration) a Human Cultures General Education requirements
- "This includes a rubric to evaluate it which was created in coordination with the Gen Ed Committee and the Assessment Committee"
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Lindenwood University is proud of its diverse population of faculty, staff, and students from all corners of the world. We intentionally design our policies in such a manner that all stakeholders (whether students, employees, or visitors) will be treated respectfully, fairly, equitably, and with dignity and inclusiveness in the pursuit and achievement of the objectives of their relationship with the university.
Additionally, we strive to ensure the opportunities afforded by the university for learning, personal advancement, and employment are offered to all without discrimination and that we always provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all students, employees, and visitors. Upholding a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion means that people of different cultures, races, colors, genders, ages, religions, orientations, affiliations, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, disabilities, or countries of origin shall not be mistreated or discriminated against on the basis of their differences. Therefore, all Lindenwood policies, facilities, resources, activities, and privileges, irrespective of individual differences, are made available and accessible to everyone in our campus community.
At Lindenwood University, we will strive to
- Offer collaborative and integrated academic, co-curricular and sporting programs that provide mutually beneficial experiences to our diverse body of students.
- Pursue and promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among our students, teaching and non-teaching staff, contractors, suppliers, and visitors to our community who represent the aforementioned differences.
- Encourage and promote the empowerment and advancement of minority groups within our community through academic and social activities, offering activities of special interest to them, and affording them equal-opportunity integration within our community.
- Respect the knowledge, skills, and experiences that every person in our community brings to the university.
- Design and operate flexible and easily accessible services, facilities, and activities whose procedures appropriately recognize the needs of everyone in our community.
- Make every effort to ensure that our current and future contractual agreements and obligations fully reflect and embrace our commitment to the philosophy and culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as delineated in this statement.
- Encourage all faculty and staff members to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our community.
- Protect every member of our community against all forms of discrimination.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Lindenwood University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other status protected under applicable law. This policy extends to its admissions, employment, activities, treatment, educational programs, and services.
Lindenwood University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. Any kind of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation is unacceptable. For the purpose of this policy, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation may be defined as any attempt on the part of individuals, groups, or recognized campus organizations to deny an individual or group those rights, freedoms, or opportunities available to all members of the Lindenwood University community.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Lindenwood University’s non-discrimination policies: Paula Stewart, Title IX Coordinator at (636) 255-2265 or pstewart@ngskmc-eis.net.
Janet Owens has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Lindenwood University’s disability services, and can be reached at (636)-949-4768 or jowens1@ngskmc-eis.net.
Any person may also direct inquiries to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106, Ph: 816.268.0550, CR. KansasCity@ed.gov). Lindenwood University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
