Photo courtesy of Ashley Jordan
On Thursday, Nov. 18, a Presidential Forum on Diversity and Inclusion was held in the Student Commons. In the wake of the demonstration held on the compass to stand with black students of the University of Missouri, a conversation between staff and students of VCU has been started to discuss diversity at VCU.
In President Michael Rao’s speech, he talked about how there is much to be done, despite VCU being known for its diversity.Â
“I think I recognize now more than ever that we have a lot of work to do,” Rao said.
Rao acknowledged that racism does exist and it needs to be discussed and addressed. He said, “I think that black lives matter… it is an important part of the discussion.” This comment was met with applause. Rao said that the faculty needs to be engaged in this conversation and that VCU needs more black faculty members. He said that he will continue to call for more diverse faculty.
He expressed a vision of success, safety and inclusion for students of all race and identity. He said VCU must have a culture of listening, understanding, education and respect.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Jordan
Angelique Scott, a VCU student and representative of the group that spoke with President Rao after the demonstration, gave an opening statement. She said that while the level of prejudice and racism seen at the University of Missouri is not as extreme at VCU, further action at VCU needs to be taken to prevent something similar occurring. She said that “VCU has been very slow to take action.” Black faculty and students have not been prioritized and, as this is not the first time these issues have been brought up, VCU has not taken action. Scott said that VCU needs to “end the search for cosmetic diversity” and seek out real diversity.
After this opening statement, the floor was opened up for comments and questions. Faye Belgrave, President of the Black Education Association at VCU said “the lack of black faculty has been a long standing concern of the BEA.” She said these issues have not been addressed accurately or urgently and that VCU has an opportunity to lead and change.
Other students and faculty addressed the question of how and when VCU would become this vision of inclusion and diversity that Rao spoke of. Rao answered this, saying that a change of hiring methods such as implementing hiring champions and cluster hiring, curriculum improvement, safe spaces and engagement with faulty would help initiate this change. Students called for existing faculty to have mandatory diversity training and for future hires to have multiple backgrounds and perspectives in addition to diversity and to increase the value of the existing black faculty. Rao agreed that “cultural competency must be a priority.” He said this would be implemented through future hires and with better communication and oversight with staff and faulty.
Photo courtesy of Ashley Jordan
A faculty member expressed his concerns with the lack of current diversity training at VCU. He said that, as a diverse faculty member, he often feels marginalized. He said this diversity training needs to address the tough issues and that the “conversations need to be real.”
VCU student Hiba Ahmed addressed concerns within the Muslim student community at VCU. She said that recent events have increased Islamophobia and there is a growing concern for Muslim student safety, inclusion and having their voices heard. She said the students “would appreciate faculty members having our backs.”
In conclusion Rao said that this is just the beginning of the conversation of diversity and inclusion at VCU. He said the University plans to communicate where they are going and the specifics of how VCU will achieve this change soon.Â