In 2015, President Rebecca Bergman formed the President’s Council For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (PCDEI) with the intention of “creating a more unified approach to diversity, equity and inclusion on campus, with representation for all Gustavus populations: students, faculty, staff, alumni, Board of Trustees and so much more,” said Chaplain of the College and Chair of the PCDEI, Siri Erickson.
On Oct. 8, 2020 the goals of the PCDEI became realized and authenticated in a new light. The Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution regarding the pursuit of racial justice and inclusion on campus.
A historic moment for Gustavus, this resolution states “that the Gustavus Adolphus College Board of Trustees commits urgently to build among its members an ever better understanding of issues relating to Racial Justice and Inclusion, and to adopt policies that champion Racial Justice and Inclusion at the College,” according to the document itself.
“The rest of the college is understanding that [The Board of Trustees] is leaning into this effort and the importance of how leadership has to really take a role in not only enhancing and advancing the effort but make sure that the commitment is tied to the convictions. That this work is not just done overnight but that we’re going to build an effort that’s more sustainable.” said Board of Trustees member Ron White (‘75).
The topics of racism, diversity, equity and inclusion have oftentimes been seen as issues that can only be solved farther down the road. The passing of this resolution allows for those issues to take center stage and to be addressed in the present.
Changes on campus regarding the resolution have already begun to take place, with The Counseling Center hiring two new counselors specializing in assisting black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
Other upcoming advancements include a renovation of The Dive to become the new home of The Center for Inclusive Excellence, with the goal to be open to students this coming spring semester.
“The renovation is so that the Center can more fully live into its mission and support the student organizations and groups that run through that office,” Erickson said.
Gustavus is also hiring an external consultant to review a number of college processes and committees, such as the Bias Response Team.
“It’s a long and slow process, but an important one. Why it’s important is because for many years POC students, staff and faculty have been saying ‘Hey, things aren’t the way they should be,’ and Gustavus as an institution hasn’t always taken up those calls of action and followed through with them,” Erickson said.
All individuals on campus will also be undergoing anti-racism education by May, not as a one-time event, but rather as the start of an ongoing process. There is a goal for 100% participation among students, staff and faculty by the end of the school year. There are also plans to develop Gustavus staff and faculty into a more proper reflection of the racial identities of the student population through developed hiring practices; with every open position being viewed as an opportunity to hire an individual that can help to represent the needs of Gustavus students.
“It’s a hefty goal, but advancing racial justice and inclusion on the Gustavus campus is going to take all of us doing our part. We wish for every student to feel like they can benefit equally from a Gustavus education,” said Erickson.
Racial justice, inclusion, and equity are oftentimes seen as ideas that can’t be put into quantifiable measures, but members of the Board of Trustees and PCDEI believe that Gustavus has the ability to go beyond expectations.
“All of this effort has to land on a destination… We’re trying to prepare a vision that says in a few short years, we intend to be the most inclusive campus on the planet… If we can create that through our effort we can go through recruitment to selection and certainly enhance our retention, whether it’s people of color, or anyone marginalized… and if we can create that, I think that’s what we want. This effort isn’t just about racial justice, social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, it’s about the destination of… becoming an institution that has successfully implemented and advanced equity and inclusion,” White said.
Students are encouraged to be involved and self accountable throughout these upcoming developments.
“Be self motivated about your own education. Don’t assume that everybody experiences life in the same way. Learn about how racism has affected history, public policy, neighborhoods, schools; We can’t fix the things we cannot see,” Erickson said.
The PCDEI will be developing into a more present force on campus, whereas it originally took place behind the scenes on campus. With this, students will have the opportunity to interact directly with the council, especially with upcoming open listening sessions, where Gustavus members will be able to share insight into their personal experiences with others.
“[Students] are the ones who see it, feel it, get impacted, get frustrated… I think the emphasis is building a safe environment for people to use their voice… The safe environment really means being able to share whatever it is without conflict or retribution. You can have disagreement, but if it’s in the spirit of diplomacy, then you build and work towards compromise. You may not get all of what you want but that differential is advancement,” White said.