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Abstract photo by jr Korpa on Unsplash

Diversity and Inclusion Council Update – January 2021

The ILR Diversity and Inclusion Council would like to provide a brief update on the school’s most recent efforts to build a more inclusive ILR community. As a reminder, the Diversity and Inclusion Council in ILR is charged with utilizing the Belonging at Cornell framework to promote and enhance diversity, inclusion and belonging in the school.  The Council sets and advances a variety of goals aligned with the Dean’s three priorities: 1) integrate as ‘One ILR’, 2) drive academic excellence, and 3) enhance ILR’s impact.

  • This fall a number of diversity, equity and inclusion programs were offered to students, staff, faculty and alumni.  Some examples include, “Red Table Talk for Inclusion: Women Entrepreneurs,” “Developing an Effective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy,” and “Understanding the Multiple Dimensions of identity.”
  • The First-year and Transfer Colloquia this fall were themed, “Dual Crises of 2020: Racial Injustice and the Impact of COVID-19.” The course explored racial injustice and COVID-19 from an economic, labor relations, and human resources perspective.
  • Currently under development is a new diversity, equity and inclusions website that will help keep the community connected to resources and updates regarding efforts within ILR and across the University.
  • The faculty unanimously voted to include a required diversity and inclusion course into the undergraduate curriculum. Following trustee approval, these changes will be reviewed by the State of New York for inclusion in the ILR curriculum in fall 2022.
  • This spring some of our recently hired faculty members will be offering new courses that address diversity and inclusion topics. Offerings include “Advancing Racial Equity in Organizations” with Professor Courtney McCluney, and “Race and the America Labor Market in Historical Perspective” with Professor Seth Sanders. This adds to the existing courses that address diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • The ILR community was invited to participate in book dialogues on Ibram X. Kendi’s book, “How to Be an Antiracist.” Ten sessions were offered to faculty and staff and an additional two sessions were offered to students.
  • ILR’s Outreach team led the way in piloting community roundtable discussions regarding the creation of a more inclusive environment. The model developed here will be rolled out to other units within the school during the spring semester.
  • The Student Government Association (SGA) ran elections this fall with record breaking participation. One of their primary goals is to increase participation across the school.

Thanks to all who have participated in efforts designed to strengthen our community and advance our goals toward creating a more inclusive environment for our students, staff and faculty. If you have additional ideas to share or would like to report efforts you have been involved in to contribute to building a more inclusive ILR community, please contact a member of the ILR Diversity and Inclusion Council.

Best,

The ILR Diversity and Inclusion Council