Bias Response Deputies, and Call for EDIB Working Group Participation

Wednesday, Sep 30, 2020
Share on:

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

We are writing today to introduce our new Bias Response Deputies and to share applications to participate in EDIB (equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging) Working Groups. We invite you to review details below.

BIAS RESPONSE DEPUTIES

In partnership with Camille Pajor, Title IX Coordinator and Bias Response Officer, we are pleased to announce the new Bias Response Deputies who will be responsible for receiving reports, connecting individuals to resources, assisting in response procedures, and advising community members on the School’s nondiscrimination and harassment policy and processes.

  1. Rachel Christensen, Administrative Director of The Alan D. Marks Center for Career Services & Entrepreneurship
  2. Jon Vela Enriquez, Associate Registrar
  3. Katie Germana, Director of Human Resources
  4. Fredara Mareva Hadley, Ethnomusicology Professor, Department of Music History
  5. Camille Pajor, Title IX Coordinator and Bias Response Officer
  6. Christina Salgado, Director for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Initiatives
  7. Curtis Stewart, Chamber Music Manager
  8. Dan Stokes, Director of the Office of Academic Support and Disability Services

All deputies will undergo training that includes:

  • EDIB and social justice principles
  • Trauma-informed practices
  • Understanding of bias, including how it manifests, its impact, mitigation strategies, and conversation facilitation
  • Implementation of informal resolution processes under the non-discrimination and harassment policy

If you are interested in this work, please consider applying to the Bias Response Working Group, which will be collaborating with the deputies this year. Application in the next section.

CALL FOR EDIB WORKING GROUP PARTICIPATION

The EDIB Taskforce is establishing a working group model to actively engage additional members of our community. We are opening applications now to current college students, faculty, and staff for participation in the two working groups: Bias Response and Workshop Development. Please review the information and application process below.

How will the working groups inform the work of the Taskforce?

In partnership with the Taskforce, working groups are responsible for identifying gaps, providing feedback, and utilizing their various expertise to create recommendations on specific priority items. Working groups will serve in an advisory capacity, and compiled feedback will be brought to Taskforce for review.

What are the objectives for the working groups?

Bias Response

  • In collaboration with Camille Pajor, Bias Response Officer, and the Bias Response Deputies, develop feedback mechanism for students, faculty, and staff to weigh in on response procedures, including the development of a listening tour.
  • Liaise with respective teams or groups to discuss progress and gather input.

Workshop Development

  • With support from EDIB workshop facilitators, provide feedback on and assist in the development of additional workshops for the community.
  • Provide feedback on ways to implement resources and tools within our day-to-day practice.
  • Liaise with respective teams or groups to discuss progress and gather input.

What are the expectations for participation?

Members will serve one-year terms to achieve the specific objectives outlined and will be comprised of students, faculty, and staff, as well as a few Taskforce representatives. We are committed to ensuring that the working groups include representation from across the School to allow for cross-sectional discussions and the sharing of various perspectives.

Working group participants should be able to commit to at least the one-hour monthly meeting for the entire academic year to ensure group consistency. This is a volunteer opportunity to offer feedback, and we do not expect any additional work beyond preparing for and attending meetings.

How do I apply?

The linked application forms below for the 2020-2021 Working Groups are simple and should take less than 5 minutes.

Current College Students: Apply here.
Faculty and Staff: Apply here.
Deadline: Applications due Monday, October 5
First meeting: An orientation with the Taskforce will be on Friday, October 9 at 12pm EDT. Working Group monthly meetings will be scheduled with participants’ schedules in mind.

Thank you for your attention to this message, and we look forward to the work ahead.

Sincerely,
The EDIB Taskforce