Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in the Clarke Community

As we began the 2020-2021 school year, our world was in the midst of an awakening. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others brought new urgency to the Black Lives Matter movement, with repercussions being felt near and far. At Clarke University, these moments led to introspection, not just of how we address systemic racism, but social injustice in all its forms. This year has seen tremendous progress, yet we know it is only the beginning of this critical and necessary work.

Laying the Groundwork

The Clarke University Board of Trustees led this effort from a policy level, dedicating time at each meeting to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues. This included actively seeking out new voices and presenters to take part in Board discussions, so that executive-level decision-making can be informed by a broad perspective.

“Leading through our mission, values, and BVM heritage, Clarke’s Board of Trustees has embedded DEI discussions

and shared experiences as part of its regular meetings over the past two years,” said Thom D. Chesney, President of Clarke University. “Recognizing the evolving and shifting demographics of the university and wider community, Trustees looked inward and explored and expressed how their membership and leadership can become even more reflective of our student body and employees.” Clarke's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has been in place since 1989, with a mix of staff and faculty leading policy discussions around DEI issues. This year, the group undertook a thorough review of Clarke’s strategic plan to align DEI initiatives with greater campus goals. Additionally, the committee began designating Inclusion Champions throughout the entire campus community. These students, faculty, and staff members received training and resources to actively promote, celebrate, and raise awareness of the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts on campus and beyond. These advocates help put policy into practice.

Individual Trustees were also inspired to further DEI initiatives through gifts to the university. Clarke alumna and Board of Trustees member Jenifer Westphal '84 launched the new Activism and Values Informed Education (AVIE) Clarke Compass Award. Learn more about the inaugural winners and their community-changing project on page 14.

Clarkies Take Action

While the Board and DEI committee led the critical work of developing a high-level strategy of Clarke’s plans for growth and improvement, students, faculty and staff began taking action in meaningful ways throughout campus and the community.

Even before school was in session, Clarke students sought ways to get involved. Several students assisted in the addition of a mural to downtown Dubuque on the Five Flags Center.

“Solidarity” by artist Shelby Fry features 10 raised fists acknowledging the people of different races, backgrounds, abilities, and more that make Dubuque the community it is today and serves as a welcome to newcomers. Over 70 volunteers came together, including our Clarkies, to paint the piece in July 2020, and it is one of over 40 murals spanning the city capturing the history of Dubuque.

As the school year began, students, faculty, and staff also worked to make Clarke a more inclusive environment for incoming students with the introduction of the Peer Mentor Program. This program focuses on first-generation and underrepresented students, and paired new students with sophomores and juniors to help them navigate their new home. It also gave students a safe space to talk about the unique challenges that arise as a student of color in a predominantly white community. Next year, the Admissions team hopes to expand the program. Thanks to a $3,000 grant from Alliant Energy, the collaborative program between the Clarke Engagement & Intercultural Programming Office, the MARC, and Social Work department will expand mentoring opportunities to more students next year.

The introduction of the CareerPLUS program also furthers Clarke's commitment to DEI initiatives. This online program offers a variety of courses, including a Diversity and Inclusion session that is free to all Clarke staff in their first year of employment, with additional courses and badges available. Businesses and organizations in the Dubuque region have also taken part in diversity and inclusion training through CareerPLUS as part of their onboarding and teambuilding efforts.

What the Future Holds

Much was accomplished in 2020-2021, yet there is still work to do. With justice being one of Clarke’s core values, we will continue to strive to create a community and world that is not just welcoming to all, but is a catalyst for continued growth and positivity. As the strategic plan unfolds, we will offer more resources and training on social justice issues for all students, faculty, and staff, and extend these opportunities to the community whenever possible. Together, we can advance DEI efforts as One Clarke, One Community.