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Students holding a Black United Students banner.

Black United Students Action Steps

The dual public health crises of racism and COVID-19 created challenging times for С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's students, faculty and staff of color, particularly for members of our Black community.

Since 1968, Black United Students (BUS) has provided leadership and advocacy to help make С»ÆƬÊÓƵ a better institution. In Fall 2020, Black United Students presented a list of demands to President Diacon to address racism. The organization’s willingness to work with the university, share concerns and draw our attention to areas that need improvement has provided invaluable assistance as С»ÆƬÊÓƵ carves a new path towards equity and justice.

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ agreed to the action steps as the recommendations would support the University's efforts to becoming a more welcoming campus.

Below are the steps the university took, in partnership with BUS, to combat racism and to ensure the safety of С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's Black community members.

1. Security Cameras

Action Steps

  • Installation of security cameras

Implemented

  • In Fall 2020, security cameras were added in the area of the Rock.
2. Rock Lighting

Action Steps

  • Increase lighting around the Rock

Implemented

  • In Fall 2020, additional lighting was added in the area of the Rock.
3. Security Aides

Action Steps

  • Hire more security aides and expand hours for student escort services, including providing these services during the day.

Implemented

  • The Security Aide program has expanded the total number of student security aides to approximately 50. This expansion of staff has allowed for expanded hours of service. Students are now able to get an escort from 8 a.m. – 2 a.m., Sunday – Wednesday, and 8 a.m. – 3:30 a.m., Thursday - Saturday.
4. BUS Participation

Action Steps

  • Promote and enlist the support of Black United Students to enhance the recruitment and retention of students

Progress

  • Implemented
5. Anti-bias Training

Action Steps

  • Creating incentives for faculty through Center for Teaching and Learning focused cohorts (diversity focus)

  • Requiring anti-bias workshops for all new С»ÆƬÊÓƵ employees

PROGRESS

  • Reviewed and partially implemented. The Center for Teaching and Learning provided anti-bias summer workshops for faculty but there are no mandatory anti-bias workshops for С»ÆƬÊÓƵ employees. 
6. Student Code of Conduct Review

Action Steps

  • Conduct a formal review of the Student Code of Conduct

Implemented

  •  A comprehensive review of the student conduct policy was conducted in October 2020. This review was initiated by Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Lamar Hylton, and led by Dean of Students Dr. Talea Drummer-Ferrell and Associate Dean of Students/Director, Student Conduct Todd Kamenash. A committee of faculty, staff and students was charged to examine all aspects of our policy and process through the lens of equity, inclusivity and justice. Several recommendations were made, including updating and reorganizing the definitions for discrimination, gender-based discrimination and harassment within the Code of Student Conduct.
7. Rock Policy

Action Steps

  • Implement policies and procedures for painting the Rock.

Implemented

  • A cross-functional team of students, faculty and staff developed an administrative policy regarding painting the rock. This policy was approved by the С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Board of Trustees at the December 2020 board meeting. The policy provides administrative procedures for С»ÆƬÊÓƵ community members’ usage of the rock.
8. Notification Platform

Action Steps

  • Explore the creation of a platform for notifying students, faculty and staff about hate speech/acts

Progress

  • COMPLETED
9. Website Presence

Action Steps

  • Create a platform/website for anti-racism statements, announcements and actions of the university

Implemented

10. Police Relationships

Action Steps

  • Explore off-campus and on-campus police relationship

Progress

  • С»ÆƬÊÓƵ students, faculty, and staff continue to examine ways to enhance relationships with С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Police Department as well as the Kent City Police Department and surrounding jurisdictions.
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