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ADVANCING THE CONVERSATION ON DIVERSITY, equity, AND INCLUSION IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND BEYOND May 2021
$3.99
www.insightintodiversity.com
Ushering in a New
Wave of Physicians
Medical schools see a surge
in student applications ―
and diversity ― in the
wake of COVID-19
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Op-Ed: Working in Solidarity
to Address Anti-Asian Violence
Why Health Care Leadership
Needs More Women of Color
Once COVID-19 immunity is reached on a large scale, the continued research of communicable diseases and viral infections is necessary. That goes not only for humans, but for animals as well. Advancing these efforts through research, Dr. Ebenezer Tumban, an expert in molecular virology and vaccinology within the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, will play a huge role. “We are in the midst of a viral pandemic that may have originated from bats or unknown animal reservoirs and thus, there is a need to identify, study and control emerging infectious agents, which can affect the lives of animals including humans. I am happy to be joining a program which has a faculty body with a diverse background in biomedical sciences to help with this effort.”
In this issue May 2021
32
Special Report:
Health Care Schools
14 Op-Ed: Working in Solidarity to Address
Anti-Asian Violence and Xenophobia
40 NYU Dentistry Launches Center Dedicated
to a More Equitable Future of Care
By Christa Grant, Gretchel Hathaway, PhD, By Lisa O’Malley
and D. Ekow King
46 University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of
18 Student Advocates Say Colleges Must Prioritize
Safety and Equity in Planning for Fall 2021
Veterinary Medicine Supports Progressive
Approach to Animal and Human Health Equity
By Mariah Bohanon By Lisa O’Malley
Newest Stimulus Package Directs
22 More Money to Students in Need 49 Women of Color Continue to Be Shut Out of
Leadership Positions in Medicine and Health Care –
By Lisa O’Malley and Erik Cliburn But One School Is Working to Change That
By Mariah Stewart
Outward Bound Offers Diverse Instructors
26 Options to Guide Students on Learning Adventures
By Mariah Bohanon 60 How Veterinary Schools and the Profession Can Become
More Inclusive: A Q&A With Dr. Avenelle Turner
By Mariah Bohanon
56: Cover STORY
Medical Schools Work to Develop A More Diverse Physician
Workforce as Applications Surge in the Wake of COVID-19
By Erik Cliburn and Mariah Bohanon
On the cover: The University of California Davis School of Medicine’s class of 2024 is
nearly 50 percent first generation students and more than 70 percent disadvantaged
students due to the school’s approach to admissions.
Above: The Ohio State University College of Medicine’s holistic approach to
admissions has led to a steady increase in diversity among its medical students.
insightintodiversity.com 3
A CAREER
CENTERED IN
HUMANITY
A career at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) means more. We teach our
students to treat the whole person, looking beyond just symptoms. PCOM students engage with the
community and learn to collaborate as part of a healthcare team to give the best care.
PCOM recognizes the need for recruiting diverse faculty and staff we dedicate efforts to close
the health disparity gap. The PCOM community cultivates an environment of inquiry, inclusiveness
and respect; one that promotes discovery and celebration of our differences, and fosters an
appreciation of the rich social fabric that binds us together.
ONE COLLEGE, THREE LOCATIONS
PHILADELPHIA: GEORGIA:
• Osteopathic Medicine (DO) • School Psychology (PsyD, EdS, MS) • Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Biomedical Sciences (MS) • Organizational Development & • Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Physician Assistant Studies (MS) Leadership (MS) • Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Forensic Medicine (Pathway/MS) • Applied Behavior Analysis (Cert.) • Physician Assistant Studies (MS)
• Clinical Psychology (PsyD) • Public Health Management and • Biomedical Sciences (MS)
• Educational Psychology (PhD) Administration (MS) • Medical Simulation (Cert.)
• Mental Health Counseling (MS) • Non Profit Leadership and Popula-
• Counseling and Clinical Health tion Health Management (MS) SOUTH GEORGIA:
Psychology (MS) • Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Biomedical Sciences (MS)
For employment opportunities please visit our career opportunities
page or contact Talent Acquisition at pcomhiring@pcom.edu
ALSO In THIS Issue May 2021
Volume 97 No. 1
50 Crestwood Executive Center, Suite 526
St. Louis, Missouri 63126
314.200.9955 • 314.756.2036 FAX
info@insightintodiversity.com
In Brief editor@insightintodiversity.com
www.insightintodiversity.com
6 Diversity and Inclusion News Roundup © 2021 Potomac Publishing, Inc.
Contacts:
Lenore Pearlstein | Publisher
Holly Mendelson | Publisher
Mariah Bohanon | Senior Editor
Daniel Hecke | Creative Director
Debra Boyd | Director of Operations
New Directions Lisa O’Malley | Assistant Editor
Mariah Stewart | Senior Staff Writer
10 Leaders on the Move Erik Cliburn | Senior Staff Writer
Editorial Board:
Linda Akutagawa
Kenneth J. Barrett
LeManuel Bitsóí, EdD
Elissa H. Buxbaum
Lynette Chappell-Williams, JD
Deborah Dagit
Monthly Observance Sonja Feist-Price, PhD
James A. Felton III
Cheryl Gonzalez, EdD
12 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Gretchel Hathaway, PhD
Erika Henderson, EdD
Lisa McBride, PhD
Ajay Nair, PhD
Nereida Perez
Clyde Wilson Pickett, EdD
Menah Pratt-Clarke, PhD
Gigi Secuban, EdD,
Shirley J. Wilcher, JD
Closing INSIGHT
66 Campus Vigils Honor Victims of Anti-Asian Hate Crimes
The views expressed in the content of the
articles and advertisements published in
INSIGHT Into Diversity are those of the authors
and are not to be considered the views
expressed by Potomac Publishing, Inc.
INSIGHT Into Diversity | Diversity Champions
insightintodiversity.com 5
IN BRIEF
New Mexico Colleges Collaborate to Ease
Degree Pathways and Campus Operations
On March 31, five public colleges in Santa Fe Community College. from disadvantaged communities
New Mexico announced the formation “Collaboration is key to ensuring the by giving them greater flexibility
of the Collaborative for Higher success of our students and the future of in completing two- and four-year
Education Shared Services (CHESS), higher education in our state,” Stephanie degrees. The joint effort will also
a nonprofit organization that will Rodriguez, the New Mexico Cabinet allow for sharing data and processes
make it possible for institutions to Secretary of Higher Education, stated among institutions, thus helping each
work together to facilitate college in the press release. “This initiative is college become more efficient in its
access and completion for underserved aligned with the New Mexico Higher operations.
students in the state. Education Department’s vision to “The key to success for higher
CHESS will allow participating streamline and improve the student education institutions in the 21st
colleges to enjoy the benefits of experience at our public colleges and century is collaboration,” Richard Bailey
a typical university system while universities across the state.” Jr., PhD, president of Northern New
retaining independence and CHESS will simplify student Mexico College and a CHESS board
connections to their communities, transfers between schools, reduce member, stated in the news release.
according to a news release issued by duplication of student and employee “And we are excited about the doors of
Central New Mexico Community records, and eliminate the need for opportunity that CHESS will open not
College. The four other institutions multiple admission applications. These only for our colleges, but for students
participating in CHESS are Clovis and other methods are intended to across the state and beyond.”●
Community College, Northern New reduce common obstacles for students
Mexico College, San Juan College, and of color, first generation, and those
Read, Watch, Listen
READ: The Campus Color Line: WATCH: Operation Varsity Blues: LISTEN: The Washington Post Live:
College Presidents and the The College Admissions Scandal Higher Education: Rethinking the
Struggle for Black Freedom This riveting new documentary Possibilities with André Dua and
University of California, Los focuses on the 2019 college Leslie Fenwick
Angeles scholar Eddie R. Cole admissions scandal and the man Dua, a senior partner at strategic
reveals the myriad ways that college at its center, Rick Singer. The film management firm McKinsey & Company,
and university presidents played a provides a fascinating look at Singer’s and Fenwick, dean emeritus of the Howard
role in the civil rights movement by life as a college admissions counselor University School of Education, address
advocating either for, or more often who learned to game the system. the challenges of higher education amid
against, racial equality. The book It features multiple FBI recordings a changing economy and widening social
centers on the time period between of his conversations with wealthy inequality. Fenwick — one of two finalists
1948 through 1968 when many parents who were willing to pay big for President Joe Biden’s Secretary of
White college presidents advocated bucks for their children to attend Education — discusses the social and
for policies that hurt Black prestigious universities, no matter financial implications of reducing student
communities and had repercussions the ethical or legal implications. debt as well as how government can help
beyond education. Cole also Smith juxtaposes this sordid promote educational equity through
examines the impact of Black storytelling with commentary from methods such as addressing the digital
presidents’ push for racial equality higher education experts who frame divide for underprivileged students. Dua,
during these years, creating what the scandal as just one example of whose work includes leading McKinsey’s
Ibram X. Kendi calls a “stunning and privilege run amok in a society that Inclusive U.S. Economy Initiative, gives his
ambitious origins story.” Published by places more value on institutional perspective on how higher education can be
Princeton University Press prestige than on actual education — reimagined to increase participation while
or morality. Streaming on Netflix providing students with viable job market
skills. Originally aired March 26, 2021 on
washingtonpost.com/podcasts●
6 May 2021
UNITED IN COMMITMENT
When the University of Kentucky launched its Housed in the UK College of Arts and Sciences,
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Implementation CIBS is a multidisciplinary research institute,
Plan, it did so to accelerate progress for which serves as a think tank for Black studies. The
communities of color across the campus. interdisciplinary institute establishes research
clusters across the campus and will promote UK’s
As part of that plan, UK President Eli Capilouto growing research and scholarship on topics of
and faculty leaders in the African American and importance in African history and African American
Africana Studies (AAAS) program announced the history, such as slavery and the quest for freedom,
establishment of the Commonwealth Institute for racial discrimination and violence, and the long
Black Studies (CIBS) – a multidisciplinary program struggle for civil rights.
that highlights UK’s growing research around
issues of race and racism. Our commitment remains firm … we teach, research,
heal and we work to dismantle systemic racism.
“The challenge of systemic racism is one of the twin
pandemics confronting our country,” Capilouto This is who we are.
said. “To this challenge, we bring a growing cadre
of talent among faculty who are working across
the broad spectrum of issues confronting Black,
Indigenous and people of color in our community,
our state and our country. The Commonwealth
Institute will serve as an intellectual home and base
of support for this critical work.”
2020
uky.edu An Equal Opportunity University
IN BRIEF
Sororities May Soon Open Membership to Nonbinary Students
On April 10, more than two made history in 2017 as one of the first nonbinary members, the
dozen sororities from the National NPC sororities to open its membership NPC created the Gender Identity
Panhellenic Conference (NPC) voted to nonbinary students. Study Group in 2016 to disseminate
on a proposed policy amendment that Some Greek organizations have information to member organizations
could potentially open membership welcomed nonbinary members for years. on questions of transgender inclusion.
to nonbinary students. The vote took The Tau Delta sorority at Otterbein Although the NPC has taken
place during the organization’s annual University edited the language in its action to become more inclusive of
membership meeting. constitution and its songs to be gender different gender identities, fraternities
As of press time, the results of the neutral in 2015. The chapter decided and sororities as a whole remain a
vote have yet to be shared publicly. to be more intentional about gender controversial presence on college
If the policy change does go into inclusion after some members expressed campuses. In recent years, many
effect, it would amend guidelines on concerns that they would be unwelcome critics.— including some former
who can participate in the formal if they were open to openly identify as fraternity and sorority members — have
sorority recruitment process. Currently, anything other than female, according to called for the end of campus Greek life,
NPC policy states that its 26 the university’s news service. alleging that it perpetuates a culture of
“women-only” sororities can recruit an “Gender-inclusive chapters exclusion, racism, sexism, homophobia,
“individual who consistently lives and demonstrate diversity by educating the and substance abuse.
self-identifies as a woman, regardless of community as well as the chapters about In a January study by the website
the gender assigned to them at birth,” all identities. I believe that Greek Life Best Value Schools, nearly 60 percent
which includes transgender women. is stereotyped as extremely feminine for of college students said they have a
Despite the NPC’s formal policy, the sororities and extremely masculine for negative sentiment toward Greek life,
organization allows its independent fraternities, but there can be a happy and 56 percent reported the value of
sororities to make their own rules medium,” Tau Delta President Reyana Greek life has decreased since the
regarding membership. Delta Phi Bates told the news service. onset of the pandemic.●
Epsilon, a historically Jewish sorority, Prior to the vote on allowing
New Jersey Will Soon Require DEI Education in K-12 Schools
New Jersey became the newest state to Jersey Commissioner of Education will Connecticut, Vermont, Virginia,
require diversity, equity, and inclusion provide sample learning activities and Nevada, Nebraska, and Indiana in
(DEI) education for K-12 students resource guides that districts can use in passing similar bills that require ethnic
after Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy creating their new DEI curriculum. studies education.
signed a bill mandating DEI classes in New Jersey is one of the smallest Although ethnic and racial justice
public schools in March. states geographically in the country but studies have become more popular and
The legislation will go into effect has a significantly diverse population, research has shown that diverse
during the 2021-2022 academic year. with 45 percent of its nearly 9 million curricula can benefit all students,
The new policy aims to teach students residents being people of color, some lawmakers have opposed the
about “economic diversity, equity, according to the state’s Office of requirement, saying it infringes on
inclusion, tolerance, and belonging Diversity and Inclusion. parents’ rights and could potentially
in connection with gender and “I believe that one of New Jersey’s expose children to sensitive topics.
sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, greatest strengths is our diversity,” New Jersey Republican
disabilities, and religious tolerance,” Gov. Murphy told CNN. “By teaching Assemblyman Brian Bergen has
according to the bill, which was first students about diverse histories, proposed a bill that limits the
introduced in July 2020. experiences, and perspectives from mandatory diversity curriculum to
Schools will be required to provide an early age, we are enriching their grades 9-12. Bergen has stated that
age-appropriate lessons that examine academic experience.” The governor, he believes it should be up to parents
the effects that unconscious bias and who is White, stated that he was proud to teach “different identities or sexual
economic disparities have on both to sign the bill into law. preferences” and not state school
individuals and society. The New New Jersey joins California, systems, CNN reports.●
8 May 2021
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new directions
ARIZONA professor of pediatrics for the College of New Jersey in Mahwah.
José Luis Cruz, PhD, has been school and the founding director Jebb was a Brigadier General for
appointed president of Northern of Yale Children’s Hispanic Clinic. the U.S. Army and dean of the
Arizona University in Flagstaff. academic board of the U.S. Military
Cruz was the executive vice INDIANA Academy in West Point, New York.
chancellor and university provost Deepti Chadee has been selected
at the City University of New York as president of the Association NEW YORK
in New York City. of College Unions International Felipe Henao has been selected as
in Bloomington. Chadee is dean of students for the New York
CALIFORNIA the director of the senior year Institute of Technology’s New York
T. Shá Duncan experience at Texas Christian City and Long Island campuses.
Smith will serve University in Fort Worth. Henao previously served as the
as the inaugural assistant dean of students at
vice president for MARYLAND Mercy College in New York City.
diversity, equity, Diane Forbes Berthoud, PhD, will
and inclusion and serve as the inaugural vice Patricia Ramsey, PhD, will be
chief diversity president and chief diversity, the first woman to serve as
officer for Santa Clara University. equity, and inclusion officer at the president of Medgar Evers
Smith previously served as the University of Maryland, Baltimore. College in Brooklyn. Ramsey was
assistant vice president and Berthoud previously served as the a senior executive fellow at the
dean of inclusive excellence associate vice chancellor of equity, Thurgood Marshall College Fund
and community development diversity, and inclusion at the in Washington, D.C.
at Swarthmore College in University of California, San Diego.
Pennsylvania. NORTH CAROLINA
MICHIGAN Debra J.
Mary J. Wardell-Ghirarduzzi, EdD, Shawna Patterson-Stephens, PhD, Barksdale,
will serve as the inaugural vice has been appointed vice president PhD, has been
president for diversity, equity, and chief diversity officer at Central appointed dean
and inclusion at the University of Michigan University in Mount of the University
the Pacific in Stockton. Wardell- Pleasant. Patterson-Stephens of North Carolina
Ghirarduzzi was vice president was associate vice chancellor for at Greensboro
for diversity engagement and student affairs and director of the School of Nursing. Barksdale was
community outreach at the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural the associate dean of academic
University of San Francisco. Relations at the University of Illinois affairs and a professor of nursing at
at Urbana-Champaign. Virginia Commonwealth University.
David C. Wilson, PhD, has been
selected as dean of the Richard and MISSOURI OKLAHOMA
Rhoda Goldman School of Public Laraine Davis has Kayse Shrum, MD, will be the first
Policy at the University of California, been selected as woman to serve as president of
Berkeley. Wilson previously served vice president Oklahoma State University (OSU)
as senior associate dean of the for Community in Stillwater. Shrum previously
College of Arts and Sciences and and Government served as president of the OSU
a professor of political science and Relations at Maryville Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa.
psychological and brain sciences University in St.
at the University of Delaware in Louis. Davis previously served as WASHINGTON
Newark. vice president for Next Generation Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, PhD, will
Talent and manager of the serve as the inaugural vice president
CONNECTICUT Community Champion Program for for institutional equity and diversity
Marietta Vazquez, MD, has been Wells Fargo Advisors in St. Louis. at the University of Puget Sound in
appointed associate dean for Tacoma. Jarvis was chief diversity
student diversity at the Yale NEW JERSEY officer and associate vice president
University School of Medicine Cindy R. Jebb, PhD, has been for diversity, equity, and inclusion at
in New Haven. Vazquez was a appointed president of Ramapo Whitworth University in Spokane.
Has your campus recently hired a new administrator? INSIGHT Into Diversity would like to publish your news.
Please email editor@insightintodiversity.com.
10 May 2021G CHAMPIONING
DIVERSITY
A 2020 HEED Award recipient and a four-time Diversity Champion,
Oklahoma State University continues to build on its commitment to
diversity and inclusion.
Over the past decade, OSU has seen a 103% increase in enrollment
of students of color, a 107% increase in this population earning an
r. OSU bachelor’s degree, and a nearly 90% increase in faculty of color.
OSU is one of seven institutions to have earned the award nine
consecutive years — and the only one in Oklahoma — to receive the
HEED Award nine years running.
These distinctions recognize progress, even as we recognize the call
to do more. 20 20 2020
We are proud of this university, the mission it represents, and all
e that’s to come. At OSU, we cultivate Bright Minds for a Bright Future
and the Brightest World for All!
That’s the Cowboy way.monthly observancE
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
AAPI Heritage Month, celebrated each year in May, is and family history, ranging from his grandmother’s escape
intended to develop awareness of and celebrate the rich from an arranged marriage during the Vietnam War to
cultures and contributions of America’s fastest growing Little Dog’s own trauma caused by the abuse he suffers for
demographic group. In 2021, this time for celebration falls
his queer identity. Published 2019 by Penguin Group
in the midst of a worsening crisis of racism and violence
against some of the nearly 20 million AAPIs living in
Pidgin Eye
the U.S. today. The March murder of six women of Asian
descent during a shooting in Atlanta and an escalating By Joe Balaz
number of anti-Asian hate crimes has brought this often This collection of poetry, written in
overlooked population to the forefront of the nation’s Pidgin (Hawai’i Creole English), balances
anti-racism movement. In solidarity with this community, humor, history, spirituality, and protest.
we highlight recent releases by six celebrated authors who Spanning 35 years of Balaz’s work, Pidgin
convey diverse AAPI experiences through the power of Eye examines the beauty and culture of
fiction, poetry, and essay. Hawai’i, his beloved homeland, and its
people. The collection serves as a critique of
Days of Distraction: A Novel colonialism and militarization while also challenging the idea
By Alexandra Chang of monolingualism within poetry. Published 2019 by Ala Press
A Chinese American technology reporter
navigates the challenges of institutional This Is One Way to Dance: Essays
racism and sexism within her profession By Sejal Shah
while questioning her role in an interracial Shah is a former creative writing professor,
relationship. Chang’s quasi-autobiographical the daughter of Gujarati immigrants
novel employs a fragmented form of from India and Kenya, and a recipient
storytelling that uses everything from overheard of a New York Foundation for the Arts
conversations to historical records, earning her high praise for Fellowship in fiction. In her debut
humor, emotion, and originality. Published 2020 by Ecco memoir essay collection, Shah highlights
immigration, race, culture, geography,
Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning and belonging through her South Asian
By Cathy Park Hong American identity. The essays span a range of writing
Hong’s witty collection of 2020 essays won the National styles and give readers a journey of Shah’s career changes
Critics Circle Award for Autobiography and and world travels while she analyzes cultural distances and
has been acclaimed for its ability to weave differences. Published 2020 by University of Georgia Press
personal narration with astute critiques of
racial consciousness in the U.S. The book We Are Not Free
explores her Korean American upbringing By Traci Chee
and personal conflicts with her own identity This National Book Award Finalist follows
while critiquing broader assumptions about a group of 14 teenage Nisei, second-
Asian Americans — leading one New generation Japanese American citizens, who
Yorker magazine critic to write that Hong’s are forcefully uprooted from their lives in
essays “bled a dormant discomfort out of me with surgical San Francisco to a remote internment camp
precision.” Published 2020 by One World in Utah after the 1941 bombing of Pearl
Harbor. A work of vibrant historical fiction
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous for young adults, We Are Not Free gives a
By Ocean Vuong realistic portrayal of an often overlooked
Celebrated author Ocean Vuong’s latest stain on American history and explores the ways in which
novel tells the story of a Vietnamese racism and fear can be used to strip away the humanity of
American son, nicknamed Little Dog, others. Published 2020 by HMH Books for Young Readers ●
through a series of nonlinear letters to his
illiterate mother. On Earth We’re Briefly
Gorgeous details the protagonist’s personal
12 May 2021FIND
YOUR
PLACE
“
The College of Veterinary
Medicine at Kansas State
University participates in
the national interest of
building a veterinary work
force to serve the ever- When I started veterinary school, one of the goals
changing community and I had was to become some part of inspiring others
society. Our goal is to that look like me to become a veterinarian. Dr. Walter
create culturally proficient Bowie paved the way for me to fulfill this goal at
DVM graduates who will K-State. Being a recipient of a scholarship named in
function in today’s society his honor with the commitment of bringing diverse
as leaders in diversity, populations together is an incredible feeling.
inclusion and equity in
their communities, nation - Melissa Riley Third-year veterinary student and inaugural recipient of
the Dr. Walter C. Bowie Scholarship.
and world.
The Dr. Walter C. Bowie scholarship is named after the 1947 K-State
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate who went on to become a
highly respected veterinarian and educator. Dr. Bowie served as a
longtime dean of the Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine.
2020 ®
Top Colleges for Diversity
College of Veterinary Medicine
www.vet.k-state.edu | admit@vet.k-state.edu14 May 2021
OP-ED
Working in Solidarity
to Address Anti-Asian
Violence and Xenophobia
By Christa Grant, Gretchel Hathaway, PhD, and D. Ekow King
On March 16, the occupants of three the U.S. — those who came as refugees To quote Audre Lorde, There is
Asian-owned businesses were violently to escape violence, those who are living no hierarchy of oppressions. There is
attacked. Among the eight people who in poverty, or those who are not highly no benefit in comparing the various
were murdered, six were identified as educated. We need only apply concepts forms of racial oppression, except in
Asian women. A perusal of the news related to intersectionality to adequately cases where we are comparing our
cycle will tell you that this incident is debunk this myth. methods for combating similar forms
not an anomaly. More than 3,795 hate If higher education institutions of marginalization. “Injustice anywhere
crimes directed at Asian American are truly interested in the concepts of is a threat to justice everywhere,” stated
Pacific Islanders (AAPI) have been diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
reported since March 19, 2020, it is time for senior staff and DEI In the U.S., many groups are targets of
according to the advocacy group Stop practitioners at all levels to shine a White supremacy, including various
AAPI Hate, many of which specifically light on ourselves when it comes to our groups of African heritage and AAPI
targeted East Asians. level of concern for anti-racism efforts heritage. Many ethnic and racial groups
It is fair to ask ourselves and each in support of our AAPI students, have survived and thrived in the face of
other: Have we taken a strong enough colleagues, and community members. racism and other forms of oppression.
stance in response to anti-Asian As leaders of the DEI mission for The increase of xenophobia and
racism and xenophobia? Does the institutions of higher education, we anti-Asian hate crimes can be a catalyst
model minority myth play into our need to take a more intentionally that reignites the racial tension between
lack of understanding and reaction to inclusive and intersectional approach the Black and AAPI communities that
hate crimes against Asians and Asian to address identity-based hate crimes, has been part of American history.
Americans? marginalization, and oppression. We As many Black and Asian people are
This myth has driven a huge wedge know that there are a wide variety of working in solidarity to support the
between the AAPI community and options, ranging from policies and Black Lives Matter movement, we need
other communities of color. It is a procedures to courses and programs, to recognize that this is similar to the
stereotype that has led to the mass that address anti-racism. We are now at “Yellow Peril Supports Black Power”
misperception that Asian Americans an important moment in our work. Just movement, in which Asian Americans
are the “well-behaved” citizens of as we needed to take a more inclusive supported the Black Panthers and the
marginalized populations; they work approach to lean into the discussion of fight for civil rights. Today, however,
hard, keep their heads down, are adding religious and interfaith dialogue many AAPI folks may be wondering,
submissive, and are successful. The and accessibility as part of diversity Why is there no one coming to our
model minority myth is dangerous efforts, we need to reach out, embrace, rescue? Some may respond “They will
to all AAPIs and paints only a weak and support AAPI communities as be fine,” or “They are not for us, so why
version of the Asian American story. It part of our social justice work ethos. should we help them?”
neglects the many diverse experiences We have the skills to be at the forefront As senior leaders of colleges and
and identities of the Asian diaspora. We of our communities when it comes to universities and as DEI practitioners
must recognize the stereotypes that we addressing the increase in xenophobia, striving to create an inclusive and
may have about Asians from popular including addressing how it affects our equitable environment for AAPI
media, as these limited stories neglect to ability to advocate and support each colleagues and students, we must at a
represent the lives of all AAPI people in other across identity groups. minimum consider the following:
insightintodiversity.com 15• What level of effort have we put in and AAPI experiences. explore any potential biases you
to addressing anti-Asian rhetoric, Senior campus and DEI leadership may have regarding other ethnic
both prior to and after the onset of may turn to the following suggestions and racial groups and work
the COVID-19 pandemic? for improving AAPI inclusion and towards eliminating those biases by
becoming more intentional in anti- learning more accurate information
• How knowledgeable are we of racism efforts for this community: and taking a more empathetic
AAPI history? disposition.
• Take an intersectional approach:
• Have our responses to condemn Recognize the interconnected • Facilitate community
anti-Asian racism and violence nature of social categories as they connectedness: Find new
been adequate? Have they been apply to individuals and groups, and different ways to provide
consistent with our responses to as well as the complex ways that opportunities for colleagues
the marginalization and oppression the effects of discrimination from historically marginalized
of other groups? combine and overlap to inform the backgrounds to feel a stronger
experiences of both marginalized connection to your department,
• How are we supporting our AAPI and privileged groups. institution, or community.
students and colleagues? Are we
having constructive conversations
with them about their group’s
exclusion from some areas of our
work and academic missions? We must recognize that anti-Asian rhetoric
in the U.S. has been around for centuries, as
• How are we acknowledging the is evidenced by the Chinese Exclusion Act of
fears and validating the concerns
1882 and Japanese internment camps. As we’ve
that AAPI folks are experiencing
seen in countless examples over the course of
and expressing?
the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has only
• Are we creating anti-racism and shined a brighter light on this social justice issue.
anti-hate coalitions that allow for
greater intercultural engagement
with, deeper levels of empathy
for, and understanding of each
community’s history, challenges, • Lead by example: Provide • Work with other institutions:
successes, and values? adequate resources to build Form coalitions across institutions
coalitions with colleagues and to address and assess various
As senior staff and DEI practitioners, students and to raise awareness of methods for confronting the need
we are skilled at leading discussions racial violence, including anti- for more inclusive anti-racism
around challenging issues, and we Asian violence. Begin by learning efforts and similar problems. This
need to take the lead when it comes to about the AAPI community article — written by three DEI
difficult conversations about anti-Asian on your campus and your professionals across three different
and anti-Black bias. We must educate department’s role in eliminating institutions — is a perfect example.
ourselves and those in our campus obstacles to their success.
communities, including leaning in • Identify as a lifelong learner: Set
and raising awareness of the history of • Show vulnerability: We must aside some quality time, such as 30
AAPI discrimination. show our scholars and colleagues minutes a day, to read articles and
We need to confront our own biases that we are willing to lean into books or listen to podcasts about
as well. We need to be bold enough, discomfort and discuss the painful recent and historical issues that
empathetic enough, and courageous history between the Asian and affect a wide range of historically
enough to have these conversations Black communities and other marginalized populations.
with our Black colleagues and Asian marginalized groups by designing
colleagues. We cannot expect to invite and facilitating opportunities for • Stay up-to-date: Subscribe to
folks with AAPI heritage to our greater support for one another. newsletters and follow social
campuses if we do not take the time to media accounts that advocate
recognize and respect the long history • Recognize your own biases: for marginalized populations,
of anti-Asian discrimination in the U.S. Regardless of your background, including AAPI communities.
16 May 2021• Use proactive, strategic management: Work with your
campus bias response team, Title IX coordinators,
and chief diversity officers to create tabletop exercises
and other resources that will prepare your campus to PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL-BEHAVIORAL
effectively respond to xenophobic incidents. Opening for board certified/board eligible developmental-behavioral
pediatrician. Full-time tenure track position in academic setting
• Collaborate and build campus coalitions: Work with includes clinical care, teaching and research opportunities. Rank
affinity groups, ethnic studies departments, and and salary commiserate with qualifications and experience.
other stakeholders such as International Student and Requires medical degree or foreign equivalent and completion
of pediatric residency and developmental-behavioral fellowship.
Scholars Services to ensure programs are inclusive of Must be able to obtain a full and unrestricted WV medical license.
the populations they serve. Location is Huntington, WV. Apply at the following link:
• Implement specific campus climate assessments: https://marshall.peopleadmin.com/postings
Identify ways to assess the experiences of AAPI
members of campus and with Asian colleagues. This
will help you to identify their experiences as well as
potential fears and challenges.
We must recognize that anti-Asian rhetoric in the
U.S. has been around for centuries, as is evidenced by the
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and Japanese internment
camps. As we’ve seen in countless examples over the course
of the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has only shined
a brighter light on this social justice issue, especially as
more social media and major news outlets have started
identifying AAPI hate crimes as legitimate stories. In
many ways this has been spurred by Asian entertainers like
Daniel Dae Kim and Daniel Wu, who began using their
platforms to condemn anti-Asian racism and bring light
to the cowardly attacks against Asian American elders
that left at least one person dead. As DEI practitioners 2021 heed Award applications
and leaders, let us begin to reaffirm our commitment to
coalition building, advocacy, allyship, and universal social
justice as the catalysts that are central to our success.●
AVAILABLE NOW!
Christa Grant is the assistant dean of Intercultural Affairs Health
Professions
and the Chief Diversity Officer for Student Affairs at
Union College in New York. Born and raised in Hong
Kong, Grant is a first generation Asian American college
graduate and has worked as a DEI scholar-practitioner for
more than 10 years. She is currently working on her EdD 2021 ® 2021 ®
Top Colleges for Diversity Top Colleges for Diversity
at Northeastern University.
Gretchel L. Hathaway, PhD, is the vice president for The INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Franklin and Marshall Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, open to all
College. She is a first generation African American colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada,
college graduate and has worked as a DEI educator for measures an institution’s level of achievement and
more than 25 years. She is a member of the INSIGHT intensity of commitment in regard to broadening
Into Diversity Editorial Board. diversity and inclusion on campus through initiatives,
programs, and outreach; student recruitment,
retention, and completion; and hiring practices for
D. Ekow King is the assistant to the vice president for
faculty and staff. There is no fee to apply.
Student Affairs for Intercultural Engagement, Equity, and
Inclusion at The State University of New York at Albany.
King is a first generation African American college graduate Apply today at
and has worked as a DEI practitioner for more than 30 years. insightintodiversity.com/heed-award
insightintodiversity.com 1718 May 2021
Student Advocates Say Colleges Must Prioritize
Safety and Equity in Planning for Fall 2021
By Mariah Bohanon
As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout vaccinations or have indicated that reenroll. In fall 2020 alone, anywhere
continues, many college students are they plan to do so in the near future. from 7.7 million to 10 million students
hoping for a return to normalcy in Some higher education institutions cancelled plans to attend college,
the coming academic year. Higher are considering using disincentives, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
education leaders have promised to do such as prohibiting the use of campus Underrepresented students have been
what they can to promote such a return shuttles or attendance at athletic significantly more likely to cancel
but assert that priority must be given to events, for students who do not get the enrollment or to drop out of degree
safety and vulnerable student support. vaccine, but actually enforcing these programs throughout the course of the
Lynn C. Pasquerella, PhD, president rules could be a “logistical nightmare,” pandemic. Freshmen from low-income
of the American Association of Pasquerella says. backgrounds have seen some of the
Colleges and Universities (AACU), For many low-income and greatest drops, and experts are worried
says that the greatest concern for underrepresented students, reopening that this trend could continue into the
campus leaders right now is ensuring safely is an issue of equity. The 2021-2022 academic year.
that students and employees are safe same students who most need Research has long shown that
going into the fall semester. access to on-campus resources, such people who defer plans for higher
“This is at the forefront of their as academic support services or education rarely return after they
minds, how to open in the fall, whether housing, are also the ones who will be enter the workforce, leading experts
it should be face-to-face or hybrid disproportionately affected if they have like Pasquerella to worry that
or virtual and, of course, whether to to worry about possibly contracting these people could become “a lost
mandate the vaccine,” she says. COVID-19 on campus and generation,” she says.
The AACU, which has a inadvertently spreading it to others, Despite the dire outlook, advocates
membership of more than 1,200 even if they themselves are vaccinated. say that the current moment stands
higher education institutions, “You can’t focus on your studies as a prime opportunity to reform the
facilitates ongoing conversations if you’re worried about where your culture of higher education toward one
around this issue through forums, next meal is going to come from or if that is more focused on supporting
webinars, institutes, and conferences. you’re living in your car or are worried vulnerable students and overall student
Pasquerella says that fear of a possible about anti-Black sentiment at campus well-being. The AACU and other
resurgence in COVID-19 or one of orientation and now having to worry education groups are pushing for the
its variants should campuses be too about getting infected or infecting federal government to ease the path to
swift in reopening is a topic that loved ones,” Pasquerella explains. degree attainment for disadvantaged
comes up every day. “So the plans to have a safe learning students by instituting education loan
Though a small but growing environment that might involve forgiveness and doubling Pell Grant
number of universities have already mandating a vaccine are directly funding as well as expanding internship
pledged to require students, and in related to student success and the and work-study opportunities.
some cases employees, to be vaccinated capacity to learn in an environment They are also advocating for
by the fall, it is unlikely that public where you don’t have to worry if colleges and lawmakers to recognize
institutions in Republican-controlled the person next to you might not be mental health support as a necessary
states will be able to institute such a vaccinated or is not wearing a mask or component of success. Multiple
mandate, according to Pasquerella. has not been social distancing.” sources of research show that young
Governors in Florida, Missouri, Ensuring that campuses are taking people have experienced greater rates
and other conservative states have as many precautions as possible may of anxiety, depression, and suicidal
already outright banned colleges and be one way to entice students who ideation during the pandemic.
businesses from requiring COVID-19 dropped out during the pandemic to Furthermore, experts predict that
insightintodiversity.com 19College of Health Professions at
wichita state
university many people could experience social anxiety and other
negative effects as safety measures are lifted. These factors
Leading Change in Health Care Education will compound the mental health crisis that already
existed among college students prior to the pandemic.
One of the most fundamental changes that colleges
Wichita State University’s College of Health Professions can make going into the fall semester is promoting the
offers a full range of nationally accredited degrees, exclusive belief that the entire campus community is responsible
programs and state-of-the art technology.
for student mental health and overall well-being, says
David Arnold, assistant vice president for Health, Safety,
and Well-being Initiatives at NASPA - Student Affairs
Administrators in Higher Education.
“Student mental health and student safety [are]
something that we all play a role in and have some
responsibility for,” Arnold says. “One of the growing
concerns before COVID and one that will continue
Shaping health care leaders for the 21st century during reopening is the isolation in which mental health
Our location in Kansas’ health care hub means students
services are offered and a belief that faculty, for example,
have unmatched opportunities through applied learning,
can’t provide any sort of intervention, but it’s part of their
clinical rotations and community outreach.
job to form relationships with students, offer office hours,
and make connections.”
Diversity and Inclusion Faculty and staff oftentimes think they are unqualified
We are committed to being an inclusive community that or that it is not in their purview to get involved with
reflects and promotes the evolving diversity of society. student mental health, but there are plenty of ways to
promote student well-being that do not require clinical
| wichita .edu/chp | expertise, Arnold explains. Raising awareness of resources
or knowing how to support those who are distressed are
simple factors that help to create a community of care,
which is especially important for students of color going
into the fall 2021 semester.
“We have a dual pandemic to consider, and it’s not
just COVID but also the significant amount of media
attention that racial justice issues have played out in the
media and in our lives,” says Arnold. “If a university says
that it’s concerned with mental health but not concerned
about being a racial justice [advocacy] institution, that’s
At the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, a huge problem because the mental health outcomes
as proud recipients of the 2020 Inspiring Programs in STEM and for students of color are directly impacted by the way in
Health Professions HEED Awards, we believe a diverse student which the university is trying to [address] racial justice
body, faculty, and staa are essential to achieving academic
excellence and serving our community. Come join a medical school
with its students, faculty, staff, and community.”
that reflects the cultural, socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic diversity Pasquerella agrees that colleges must train faculty and
of the region that we serve. staff to recognize psychological distress in students and to
Learn more about our open faculty and staff positions at understand appropriate interventions. Higher education
medschool.ucr.edu/employment has proven adaptable to this during the pandemic as many
institutions found innovative ways to offer virtual mental
health support. Being on campus will provide even more
opportunities to promote overall student wellness, she says.
“In the spring many campuses were canceling their
spring breaks, but they recognized the need for students
to have a mental break from their stress, so they hosted
wellness days with fun activities,” says Pasquerella. “I
think we’ll see a lot more of that interspersed through the
academic year as colleges recognize that the pandemic has
taken a mental toll we didn’t anticipate.”●
Mariah Bohanon is the senior editor of INSIGHT Into Diversity.
20 May 2021Developing
Minds that Make a
Difference
Diamond Guy is thankful.
In August, the 4th year biomedical
sciences student at Rochester Institute of 2020 ®
2020
Top Colleges for Diversity
Technology will enter medical school for
dermatology.
“All I can say is thank you God, all of my professors,
mentors, and advisors at RIT, and thank you to my
family and supporters”, she said.
One of those mentors is RIT Associate Professor McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement programs.
and Director of the Biomedical Sciences Program, RIT recognizes the importance of being a part
Dr. Robert Osgood. He is also a recipient of RIT’s of the pipeline to medical schools. The McNair/
Division of Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) Faculty LSAMP programs provide opportunities for
Beacon Award. students who otherwise wouldn’t have access
to research. RIT’s biomedical sciences program
Osgood and Guy spent the fall creating PCR prepares students for entry into medical or dental
primers for identifying three types of bacteria that school or a career in a variety of health care fields.
are linked to cardiac disease, oral infections,
and other issues. The goal is to create a multiplex And RIT values mentors like Osgood. “If they don’t
test that dental offices can use to detect the know how to do something, it is on us to become
presence and concentration of Streptococcus that teacher who can show them how to do it,
mutans serotypes c, e, and f in patients’ saliva. what’s important about it, so that when they’re
She was one of a record 15 RIT students doing it, they’re confident,” he said.
participating in fall research projects thanks RIT believes in building confidence.
to support from the Louis Stokes Alliance for
Minority Participation (LSAMP) and Ronald E. And Guy is confident. “All of my hard work has
finally paid off.”
To learn more about life as a faculty member at RIT,
visit: rit.edu/diversity/ofdr or life as a student visit:
rit.edu/rit-life.22 May 2021
Newest Stimulus Package Directs
More Money to Students in Need
By Lisa O’Malley and Erik Cliburn
On March 10, the Biden administration of evidence-based practices to track The increased support is likely to be
passed the $1.9 trillion economic and control the spread of COVID-19 vital for low-income college students,
stimulus bill to provide the third on campuses. The legislation provides many of whom struggled to make ends
round of relief needed because of the greater funding for direct student meet during the pandemic. More than
COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, titled assistance than did previous stimulus 40 percent of undergraduates reported
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 packages, with institutions now they lost wages from on- and off-
(ARPA), includes $40 billion for the required to allocate 50 percent of campus jobs last year, according to a
Higher Education Emergency Relief their HEERF relief to emergency survey by the Student Experience in the
Fund (HEERF). financial aid. In addition, it temporarily Research University Consortium. Both
The bill allows HEERF, which was expands the eligibility criteria for the undergraduate and graduate students
first established last year under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance said the shift to online classes resulted
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Program (SNAP), allowing more in unexpected expenses, and two-thirds
“Many students have had their postsecondary
careers turned upside down as they manage
their schoolwork while also protecting
themselves from this virus. On top of that,
many college students have also had to deal
with food insecurity.”
U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona
Security, or CARES Act, to be college students to receive government of low-income students reported having
extended until September 2023. assistance for food. Normally, a family member who lost employment
Tribal institutions, historically enrollment in college courses renders due to the pandemic. Furthermore,
Black colleges and universities, and most people ineligible for SNAP. racially and ethnically underrepresented
other Minority-Serving Institutions “Many students have had their students fared the worst financially and
received $3 billion in new HEERF postsecondary careers turned upside experienced higher rates of food and
funding through the latest bill. Special down as they manage their schoolwork housing insecurity than their White
emphasis was also given to higher while also protecting themselves from classmates, the survey shows.
education institutions that have this virus. On top of that, many college As of publication, many colleges
endowments totaling less than $1 students have also had to deal with food and universities are still in the process
million. insecurity,” U.S. Education Secretary of determining how to best distribute
ARPA includes guidelines for Miguel Cardona stated in a March 19 the latest round of HEERF funding.
colleges and universities regarding press release. “We hope every eligible Indiana University-Purdue University
the dispersal of the HEERF grants, student takes advantage of these Indianapolis (IUPUI) is slated to
such as stipulating that some funding benefits while continuing to focus on receive $59.7 million from ARPA,
must go toward the implementation their studies.” with nearly $29.8 million earmarked
insightintodiversity.com 23for student assistance. By comparison, the institution’s
students received $20 million from the previous two
stimulus bills combined. IUPUI used the money from
the earlier bills to automatically award grants ranging
from $650 to $1,300 to students who had completed
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, received
financial aid, and met low-income criteria, according
to Marah Yankey, senior news and media specialist at
Indiana University. Nearly 9,000 ended up meeting those
qualifications.
Students who meet these criteria will still receive
automatic grants under ARPA, but discussions are
ongoing as to how IUPUI will distribute all of its dollars
now that it will be receiving an amount far greater than
in the past, Yankey says.
“Dispersing the federal emergency grants directly to
students gives them the ability and flexibility to use the
money in a way that helps them most,” Yankey says.
“These funds will help defray costs that arise, such as
childcare, food, housing, health care, or a number of other
expenses we know students encounter while in school.”
Funds left over from the first two stimulus packages
were used for various pandemic-related expenses,
including refunds for campus housing, dining plans, and
parking passes that were purchased before classes shifted
online. IUPUI has spent its own money to financially
assist students who do not qualify for the automatic
HEERF grants and to pay for personal protective
equipment, contact tracing, and COVID-19 testing,
according to Yankey.
Although ARPA is a significant improvement over
the previous stimulus packages, it still falls short as far as
student housing, technology, and travel needs, according to
American Council on Education President Ted Mitchell.
In a March news release, Mitchell explained that the need
for more federal support is critical because campuses have
lost funds during the pandemic and are not able to offer
enough aid to students. As a result, many will continue to
face financial hardships and may drop out.
“We believe that additional broad-based funding
measures will be forthcoming,” Mitchell stated, “and
we will do everything possible to ensure that federal
officials understand the full range of costly and
complex challenges that students and their colleges and
universities are facing.”●
OFFERING
Lisa O’Malley is the assistant editor and Erik Cliburn is
DVM, MPVM, MS, and a senior staff writer for INSIGHT Into Diversity. Indiana
University-Purdue University Indianapolis is a 2012-
PhD Degrees 2020 recipient of the INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher
Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award.
www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu
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