ANNUAL REPORT
2020 - 2021 www.barry.edu/arec
Mission RECOGNIZING THAT RACISM, VIOLENCE, we AND By leveraging the diversity within our community, will help INTOLERANCE OF DIVERSITY FUEL Equity MARGINALIZATION, WE guide the development of a Diversity, and Inclusion (DEI) PLEDGE OUR LIVES, MONEY AND OTHER RESOURCES TO strategic plan at Barry University and offer guidance and FACILITATE AND PARTICIPATE IN CREATING RESILIENT consultation to achieve our shared vision. vision promotes a COMMUNITIES WITH PEOPLE WHO AREThis RELEGATED TO THE more inclusive andVALUING equitable THEIR community thatWISDOM, embracesAND diversity, MARGINS, FAITH, supports the success of allINTEGRITY. students, and provides for continuous faculty and staff professional development.
Recognizing that racism, violence, and intolerance of diversity fuel marginalization, we pledge our lives, money and other resources to facilitate and participate in creating resilient communities with people who are relegated to the margins, valuing their faith, wisdom, and integrity. An excerpt from the Adrian Dominican Sisters' Enactment of General Chapter 2016
The Barry University Anti-racism and Equity Coalition has completed its first year and is pleased to provide you with its first report. As chair of the Coalition, I extend my deepest appreciation to the members of the Coalition and to those individuals the worked with Coalition to further its impact on our community. I offer a special appreciation to Laura Bello-Conte, Danielle Koller, and Annette Cardoza for their endless dedication and exceptional performance. I commend all divisions, colleges, and schools that dedicated their ideas, time, support, and encouragement to advance the Coalition’s overarching goal to promote and help cultivate a climate that fosters inclusive excellence. The Coalition began its work in the fall of 2020. The first 10 months are best defined as experientiala fast-paced on-the-job learning experience. Coalition members met with key constituents across campus. Collaborations became a key factor in being able build upon existing programs and program ideas and harness support and resources needed to effectively and efficiently pursue our overarching goal. After the first 10 months, it was obvious that we needed to regroup and become more focused on meaningful outcomes that would effectively contribute to the mission of the university and the charge given to the Coalition. While the work done by the Coalition to date has been meaningful and, in some instances, impactful, the future holds greater promise for the work that is needed. Our role will be that of an advising body, amplifying the work already being done, and coordinating resources inside and outside Barry University in an effort to accomplish inclusive excellence. On behalf of the Coalition, I want to thank each of you for believing in us, giving us the encouragement when we needed it most, and more important, for helping to advance a more just and inclusive community. Respectfully,
Phyllis F. Scott, PhD Chair
DEFINITIONS Diversity: Diversity refers to all aspects of human difference, social identities, and social group differences, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, socio-economic status, language, culture, national origin, religion/spirituality, age, (dis)ability, military/veteran status, political perspective, and associational preferences. Equity: Equity refers to fair and just practices and policies that ensure all campus community members can thrive. Equity is different than equality in that equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences are exactly the same. Being equitable means acknowledging and addressing structural inequalities — historic and current — that advantage some and disadvantage others. Equal treatment results in equity only if everyone starts with equal access to opportunities. Inclusion: Inclusion refers to a campus community where all members are and feel respected, have a sense of belonging, and are able to fully participate and achieve their potential. While diversity is essential, it is not sufficient. An institution can be both diverse and non-inclusive at the same time, thus a sustained practice of creating inclusive environments is necessary for success.
Our Vision In the spirit of the Barry mission and Core Commitments, we aspire to create an educational community that honors diversity, is free from racism, and actively engages in building a better world through learning, teaching, research, and self-reflection.
As an advising body, the Coalition puts forth the following strategies that shall be achieved through collaboration and coordination with the University, community partnerships and resources.
STRATEGY ONE Create a learning community that advances the awareness and understanding of inclusion and equity among all students, faculty, and staff.
STRATEGY TWO Build opportunities for racial healing, and intentional dialogue and reflection on issues of diversity, inclusion, and social equity within and external to the Barry community.
STRATEGY THREE Enhance and expand co-curricular programs that encourage equitable and inclusive participation of all students and foster respect for diversity.
STRATEGY FOUR Support and promote inclusive teaching practices, research, scholarship, and community service.
STRATEGY FIVE Support the examination and revision of university policies and procedures to further advance inclusive practices in all areas of the University.
As an advising body, the Coalition puts forth the following strategies that shall be achieved through collaboration and coordination with the University, community partnerships and resources.
STRATEGY SIX Increase the visibility of the University’s commitment to racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
STRATEGY SEVEN Recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports the principles of racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
STRATEGY EIGHT Effectively engage with community partners to promote racial justice, equity, and inclusivity.
STRATEGY NINE Provide for ongoing evaluation and assessment.
The Coalition recognized and immediately responded to the need to let our students of color and their allies know that on this campus, Black Lives Matter, their voices matter, the pain is real, and we stand in solidarity for racial justice and equity.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING TASK GROUP
Pamela Hall Chair
Amanda Knight Member
Jasmine Esh Member
Sonique Sailsman Member
Nick Jones Member
Denise Lundy Member
Measuring Progress Professional Development and Training Task Group: Provide a comprehensive University-wide plan for professional development and training using an antiracism framework for faculty, staff, administrators, and students. Ensure all faculty, staff, and administrators have the opportunity to participate in DEI workshops and other programming.
Tasks
Status
Implement immediate training opportunities for faculty, staff, administrators, and students.
ACHIEVED
Identify opportunities to collaborate with community partners for training.
IN PROGRESS
In collaboration with HR, implement training models for all Barry employees on Workday.
ACHIEVED
Develop a roadmap for the facilitation of future trainings that will be offered.
IN PROGRESS
Notable highlights
Workday
TRAINING MODULE Completed two-hour practice training review from HR to select appropriate training modules related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. "Unconscious Bias and You" will become a required annual training in Workday.
dei training
@ BARRY
In collaboration with South Florida People of Color, the Coalition provided DEI training to the President's Cabinet, the Anti-Racism and Equity Coalition, and faculty from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Schools of Education, Business, Social Work and Podiatry.
Training
COMING FALL 2021 Additional training will be scheduled for Fall 2021 for faculty and staff.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING TASK GROUP
ASSET MAPPING TASK GROUP
Paula Dias Chair
Freddie Frage Member
Courtney Berrien Member
Sean Foreman Member
Roxanna Cruz Member
Mitch Rosenwald Member
Deborah Montoya Member
Measuring Progress Asset Mapping Task Group: Provide a comprehensive diagram that describes current anti-racism events, initiatives, and organizational activities on the Miami Shores Campus and at other Barry locations, including the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando, Florida. Report findings and make recommendations accordingly.
Tasks
Status
Based on findings, organize a meeting with facilitators of all events, and create a best practice model for collaborating, coordinating, and strategically planning events for the remainder of the academic year.
ACHIEVED
Make recommendations that support the sharing of resources to eliminate duplication. Streamline offerings for the remainder of the academic year. Present an organized delivery of programs and initiatives.
ACHIEVED
Develop a calendar of historical events that acknowledges people and occurrences that should be recognized by the coalition.
ACHIEVED
Notable highlights
events
ON RACIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY Met with event facilitators, including those at the Center for Community Service Initiatives and the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice, to streamline and organize all 2020 - 2021 events around a common theme of racial justice and equity.
calendar
OF HISTORICAL EVENTS Developed a calendar of historical events that acknowledges people and occurrences related to the lived experiences of minoritized groups, particularly BIPOC. The calendar is located at www.barry.edu/arec.
First generation
CELEBRATION
The group planned and hosted the university's first First Generation Celebration.
ASSET MAPPING TASK GROUP
Previous Barry Event
First Generation Celebration Video screenshots
Previous events hosted virtually
Previous events hosted virtually
IMMEDIATE ACTION TASK GROUP
Amanda Knight Chair
Ginette Melchiorre Member
Michael Provitera Member
Measuring Progress Immediate Action Task Group: In collaboration with appropriate staff, administrators, faculty, and students, coordinate the immediate implementation of programs and events that clearly speak to the support of students of color.
Tasks
Status
Coordinate planning efforts with the Asset Mapping Task Group.
ACHIEVED
Participate in the planning of new student orientation, ensuring racial justice and equity is a component of each orientation.
ACHIEVED
Support the development and delivery of special projects and programs for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, allies, and other student populations.
IN PROGRESS
Initiate NAACP Chapter.
ACHIEVED
Facilitate communication and proposal development for Greek Life.
ACHIEVED
Enhance and support of PRIDE in Action.
IN PROGRESS
Notable highlights
NAACP
@ BARRY UNIVERSITY Established a Barry University NAACP Chapter with Dr. Laura Finley serving as the Faculty Advisor. The Chapter had 42 members at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year.
trht campus center
TRAINING AT AAC & U
A five-member team attended the Association of American Colleges & Universities 2021 Institute on Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation with the goal to establish a Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Center.
Coalition member Amanda Knight at the Black Excellence Awards Event
IMMEDIATE ACTION TASK GROUP
STUDENT ACTIVISM AND ENGAGEMENT TASK GROUP
Laura Finley Chair
Jana Rutherford Chair
Amanda Knight Member
Nick Jones Member
Freddie Frage Mitch Rosenwald Member Member
Luc Pauleus Member
Deborah Montoya Donte Roberts Marsha Francois Member Member Graduate Research Assistant and member
Measuring Progress Student Activism and Engagement Task Group: Examine existing university policies and practices that define and guide student activism.
Tasks
Status
Create a Student Anti-racism and Equity Coalition or a venue for expression.
NOT STARTED
Review all existing policies and practices that guide student activism and make recommendations to amend said policies and procedures if it is determined that such policies and practices were not developed within a racial justice framework. Obtain feedback from students.
ACHIEVED
Review purpose and membership in all standing student clubs and student organizations and develop a plan to assess the needs, viability, and support of each club.
IN PROGRESS
Explore the needs of clubs and what hinders their viability.
IN PROGRESS
Work with Student Anti-racism and Equity Coalition to establish vision, purpose, members, pledge, and complete process for said coalition to stand as a sanctioned organization with the Barry community.
NOT STARTED
Facilitate a focus group to obtain feedback from students.
IN PROGRESS
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT TASK GROUP
Jose Capote Chair
Elle Keys Graduate Research Assistant and Member
Laura Bello-Conte Member
Laura Finley Member
Deborah Montoya Member
Donte Roberts Member
Measuring Progress Website Development Task Group: Develop a website for the exclusive use and presentation of the Coalition.
www.barry.edu/arec Tasks
Status
Create a website that serves as a resource for faculty, students, and community partners.
ACHIEVED
Showcase the work of the Coalition, students, and faculty scholarship and volunteerism in relation to racial justice and social equity.
IN PROGRESS
Identify bios of faculty with special skills associated with diversity, equity, inclusion, health disparities, immigration, LGBTQIA+, and Latinx inequalities. Obtain permission to post their bios.
IN PROGRESS
Highlight Campus Ministry and their work designed to support inclusive communities. Support their development of a video and the promotion of their initiatives.
NOT STARTED
Highlight university-community partnerships engaged in anti-racism and equity initiatives.
NOT STARTED
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT TASK GROUP
Anthony Dickey Chair
Nick Jones Member
Jose Capote Member
Measuring Progress Alumni Engagement Task Group: Present multiple ways to engage alumni in contributing to the shaping of a racially just and inclusive community. Tasks
Status
Identify ways to engage alumni in the planning and development process of a University-wide Anti-racism Action Plan.
NOT STARTED
Recommend venues to engage alumni in the sharing of their knowledge and support to students of color, facilitating dialogue with students of color, providing training seminars, facilitate healing circles, and supporting student scholarship.
ONGOING
Identify alumni who are very engaged in the Black Lives Matter movement for the purpose of building a resource file, engaging in dialogue, highlighting their work on the website, and their willingness to have virtual dialogue with students, etc. Coordinate a social media outreach campaign to engage alumni in DEI programming, such as TRACKS dialogue, Deliberative Dialogue, etc.
IN PROGRESS
Develop a plan for the academic year to offer virtual trainings and discussions for alumni in collaboration with Extended Learning.
IN PROGRESS
Notable highlights
race and law panel AT BARRY U
Designed and hosted a Race and the Law Panel discussion, moderated by our VP of Institutional Advancement, who invited Barry alumni to join in on the conversation.
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT TASK GROUP
STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND EXPLICIT CURRICULUM TASK GROUP
Lauren Shure Chair
Denise Lundy Member
Jana Rutherford Chair
Sean Foreman Member
Roxanna Cruz Member
Cherison Cuffy Member
Pamela Hall Member
Measuring Progress Explicit Curriculum Task Group: Ensure each school and college has a plan to examine curriculum within an anti-racism framework
Tasks
Status
Establish best-practice standards to guide the examination and enhancement of curriculum within an anti-racism framework.
IN PROGRESS
Examine institutional practices that could further support the monitoring and evaluation of this effort (i.e., internal curriculum reviews, Undergraduate Council, Graduate Council, and AAC review processes and make recommendations based on best practice findings). Include language that should be re-evaluated for the review of curriculum and new academic programs.
NOT STARTED
Notable highlights
curriculum
DECOLONIZATION Identified a critical resource to provide training and guidance in Inclusive Teaching Practices and the decolonization of the curriculum. Negotiations are underway for the training to be offered fall 2021.
EXPLICIT CURRICULUM TASK GROUP
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TASK GROUP
Courtney Berrien Chair
Mitch Rosenwald Member
Amanda Knight Member
Sean Foreman Member
Elle Keys Deborah Montoya Marsha Francois Graduate Research Graduate Research Member Assistant and Member Assistant and Member
Measuring Progress Community Engagement Task Group: Identify opportunities in the community that provide for meaningful collaboration and partnerships with Barry University on matters related to racial justice and social equity.
Tasks
Status
Develop and maintain an active list of organizations and key constituents with description of opportunities for collaboration.
ACHIEVED
Arrange community-based meetings to explore extended engagement as partners with Barry administrators, faculty, and/or students.
ONGOING
Seek opportunities for grants that could support specific community-based initiatives.
IN PROGRESS/ ONGOING
Identify opportunities to engage students in community-based projects that support racial justice.
IN PROGRESS
Notable highlights
social justice
COMMUNITY CENTER Supported the efforts to establish a community-based center for social justice.
grant
PROPOSALS Submitted two grant proposals: Adrian Dominican Sisters Sponsorship Commission and Miami-Dade United Way; One proposal was awarded, One proposal was denied.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TASK GROUP
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PRACTICES TASK GROUP
Ginette Melchiorre Chair
Luc Pauleus Member
Stephen Sussman Member
Measuring Progress Administrative Policies and Practices Task Group: Coordinate the development of a strategy that would provide for the examination of all administrative policies and procedures within a racial justice and equity framework. Establish a plan that includes a timeframe for each area to examine and subsequently make necessary changes based on findings. Changes in language, practice, procedures, and /or policies must be documented in the plan, and how the outcome for each unit should be evaluated.
Tasks
Status
Meet with each administrative division and unit to request the development of a plan to review and revise administrative policies and practices using inclusive language.
ACHIEVED
Research and share resources including scholarly toolkits to guide the work of each administrative unit. The following departments committed to submitting a plan for the review and revision of policies and procedures: Human Resources Procurement/Accounts Payable (received) Marketing Cashier Business Office Financial Aid Admission and Enrollment Mission and Student Engagement
ONGOING
DATA ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT TASK GROUP
Mitch Rosenwald Chair
Elle Keys Graduate Research Assistant
Stephanie Theile Supporting Partner
Measuring Progress Data Analysis and Assessment Task Group: Collect data necessary to inform decisions; guide the development of an Action Plan created by each school, college, and administrative unit; and monitor performance. Ensure all recommendations and submissions have reasonable benchmarks for evaluation. Draft an evaluation plan for the university that will become a part of quarterly and annual reporting.
Data to include: Demographics of student body and recommendations for the collection of more specific data to better define student population; age, ethnicity, and gender orientation. Employee demographics and recommendations to support hiring practices over the next five years to become a more diverse organization Demographics of student success rates, retention, and graduation Data from a pre-assessment report administered to better understand the University’s landscape and direct the work of certain task groups. Tasks
Status
Administer a faculty survey in an effort to gain an understanding of the current perceptions, thoughts, and interests of faculty.
ACHIEVED
Administer a climate survey to all students to help shape the development of a formal strategic plan and identify our strengths and lesser strengths as an inclusive community.
ACHIEVED
Notable highlights
FACULTY SURVEY
AT BARRY U
Administered a faculty survey in an effort to gain an understanding of the current perceptions, thoughts and interests of faculty. The survey results will help guide our steps in bringing in more anti-racism and equity resources to campus.
climate survey
FOR BARRY STUDENTS Administered a climate survey to all students to help shape the development of a formal strategic plan and identify our strengths and lesser strengths as an inclusive community.
For more information on the faculty and student climate survey, visit www.barry.edu/arec
DATA ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT TASK GROUP
Graduate Research Assistants Elle Keys is a Master of Social Work student in her concentration year at Barry University. She has a bachelor’s degree in Education Studies from Berea College, where she worked with first-year college students in service-leadership development with an emphasis on social justice training. These experiences shaped her passion for working toward equity and opportunity in higher education, as she believes anti-racism and equity programming helps develop the next generation of capable, effective, and empathetic changemakers.
Marsha J. Francois is an educator who is currently pursuing an M.S. in Reading Education. Marsha serves as the Graduate Research Assistant in the Office of the President for the Antiracism and Equity Coalition. Marsha started her career as an academic counselor. In her work, Marsha has served diligently to aid students with providing equitable and superior counseling to all learners. She is passionate about providing vast opportunities for students in underserved and widely marginalized groups. Marsha has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration.
our 2021-2022
GOALS Campus 1 Self-Study
Guide the development of 2a campus-wide DEI strategic plan Intensify professional 3 development in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Clearly define the role 4 of the Coalition as a consulting and advising body to the university.
Improve methods 5 and patterns of communication among the Coalition, the Barry community, and its community partners
We strive for change, We work for change, and we will
Be the change.
RECOGNIZING THAT RACISM, VIOLENCE, AND INTOLERANCE OF DIVERSITY FUEL MARGINALIZATION, WE PLEDGE OUR LIVES, MONEY AND OTHER RESOURCES TO FACILITATE AND PARTICIPATE IN CREATING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE RELEGATED TO THE MARGINS, VALUING THEIR FAITH, WISDOM, AND INTEGRITY.
www.barry.edu/arec