03
September/October 2021
LUMINOSITY SHINING A LIGHT ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AT OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
Welcome Back, Stars! TT H H EE II N NC C LL UU SS II VV EE LL AA N NG G UU AA G G EE PP RR O O JJ EE C C TT :: AA BB LL EE II SS M M
Plus:
CALENDAR OF IN THEIR OWN WORDS: UPCOMING EVENTS BREAUNA SHAW
& More!
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Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT VALUES Welcome to a new semester, OCU community!
As I start my second academic year in my role and reflect on the previous year, I am in awe at what we were able to accomplish together. There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ve expanded upon our ability to persevere even in a dynamic environment. It is my sincerest hope that we all take a moment to acknowledge where we’ve been and where we want to go. This, all while centering our wellness, helpful boundaries, and a heart of compassion for self and others.
DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSIVITY RESPECT LEARNING COMMUNITY JUSTICE
While we still manage global efforts to address the pandemic, let’s consider how our collective efforts to create safe and inclusive environments at the forefront of our commitments. I look forward to connecting with the community in meaningful ways and wish you and excellent start to the semester! Go Stars!
MISSION To work collaboratively with campus partners, alumni, and friends of Oklahoma City University to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through policy,
Talia Carroll, Ph.D. (she/her) Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
education, and strategic initiatives that advance our university’s mission.
STATEMENT
Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN
DEI@OCU
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Student-led arts initiative holds event
OCU Law speaker series continues
On August 28, OCU played host to the Live
The OCU School of Law is keeping the
Life Music Fest, a music festival to
conversations going with the continuation
celebrate
of their popular speaker series, Stony the
and
uplift
the
artists
and
performers of the surrounding Oklahoma
Road.
City community with performers such as
presentations
Vinnie the Kid, Pharoah the People and
ranging from the institutionalization of
Cherith Hellstern. Live Life Music is an
discriminatory
Edmond-based,
group
disparities in the criminal justice system
dedicated to serving and nurturing the
to the roles of identity, equity, and
fine arts and to raise awareness about
inclusion in the workplace. On October 1,
social issues within the arts through
the
music-related initiatives in underserved
"Legislative
communities throughout Oklahoma and
panelists
the
potentially problematic and controversial
United
student-led
States.
The
performers
It
began
series
and
semester
panels
practices
will
discuss
to
racial
some
of
race
gender
state legislature and what we, as citizens
expression, sexual identity and even their
concerned with the tenets of diversity,
performance were
most
the
congressional sessions of the Oklahoma
raised
the
which
diverse lineup varying in everything from to
of
in
with
bills
ethnic-identity
laws
subjects
recommence
Roadblocks"
will
on
with
involved in this year's festival were a and
and
last
recent
experience.
All
proceeds
equity, and inclusion work, can do to
donated
to
a
mitigate
local
the
potential
harm
of
such
legislation. These events are open to
underfunded arts program.
everyone
across
the
entire
OCU
community and will run throughout the fall and spring semesters. However, prior registration is required. All events will be advertised on the social media pages of OCU Law.
Learning communities for faculty start Over the summer, VP Carroll and two colleagues in collaboration with the OCU Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning (CETL) facilitated a workshop for faculty to discuss the creation and significance of equityThe Culture Code by Daniel
minded, equity-focused syllabi. Throughout the semester CETL will offer
Coyle and Think Again by
many more events like VP Carroll's including a choice of six exciting new
Adam Grant are just two of
Learning Communities led by faculty and staff which will explore, discuss,
the titles being explored this
and implement tools from different books, programs, and even podcasts to
semester with CETL's
improve the teaching and learning at OCU. Folx interested in joining one of
Learning Communities.
this
semester's
Learning
Communities
may
contact
Coordinator of CETL Operations, at cllewis@okcu.edu.
Cady
Lewis,
Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
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THE INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE PROJECT: ABLEISM What we communicate has power.
Sometimes described as the "silent D in diversity," individuals with disabilities are one of the most varied populations on Earth. According to the CDC , 61 million adults living in the United States identify as having some type of disability. That's 26% of the overall population or 1 in 4 American adults! Disabilities touch every community: every race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic situation. And advocating for accessibility is for everyone. There are many things to learn (and unlearn!) about folx with disabilities and curiosity is a good place to start! Ableism is a set of beliefs or practices that devalue and discriminate against people with physical, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities and often rests on the assumption that folx with disabilities need to be ‘fixed’ in one form or the other. Ableism is intertwined in our culture whether we consciously know it or not and can be found in many different places: our
environment,
our
legislation,
public transportation with no ramps or doors that are too narrow for a wheelchair or scooter broken or non-existent elevators or stair alternatives in buildings
legal to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage
no signs or navigational aids for folx with low vision
no legal recourse for negligence of the ADA
limits on income and assets for folx who receive Disability benefits
crippled by indecision
language. and mostly our
insane
crazy
dumb lame she's so OCD psychotic handi-capable brain damaged wheelchair-bound normal falling on deaf ears blind as a bat imbecile
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Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
THE INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE PROJECT - ABLEISM The disability metaphors and euphemisms on the previous page and many others abound in English and almost always have a negative, disparaging connotation even if it's unintentional. These linguistic microaggressions are frequently used in slang terms we're repeating just because we've heard them before and not truly thinking about the words we're using. There are several ways that we can challenge our own ableism. It always starts with education and expanding our knowledge of disability culture. We can examine our own go-to phrases that are problematic and think about what we really mean when we use them. You may have said
He's so stupid!
when you meant
He's so frustrating!
You may have said
That's psycho!
when you meant
That's shocking!
You may have said
She's confined when you meant to a wheelchair.
She's a person who uses a wheelchair.
Remember, we're not bad people or bad advocates if we've used these phrases in the past. Now that we have the knowledge and ability to change our use of this type of language, we can make our society a better place for all folx with disabilities.
THE DISABILITY PRIDE FLAG The Disability Pride flag was created by Ann Magill, a disabled artist. Here is a breakdown of its elements: The Black Field: A color of mourning; for those who have suffered from Ableist violence, and also rebellion and protest. The Zigzag/Lightning Bolt: How disabled people navigate barriers and the creativity in doing so; breaking free from normative authority and body control The Five Colors: The variety of needs and experiences (Mental Illness; Intellectual and Developmental Disability; Invisible and Undiagnosed Disabilities; Physical Disability; and Sensory Disabilities) The Parallel Stripes: Solidarity within the Disability Community and all its differences.
inclusive language 101
The Inclusive Language Project will be an ongoing project where we share helpful suggestions on language shifts that support our community’s goal to be more inclusive. We look forward to you being on the inclusive language journey with us. Email dei@okcu.edu with some of the words and phrases that you’d like to see us include in the project!
PICK 1 HABIT TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW
AMPLIFY & SUPPORT FOLX WITH DISABILITIES
MAKE SURE EVERYTHING YOU CREATE IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL MAKE AN INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE GUIDE FOR YOUR ORG OR GROUP
NEVER JUDGE A DISABILITY BY ITS VISIBILITY
Identify your own biases - Notice your language habits
Be flexible - Language is dynamic, always changing and adapting
(internal)
Name the oppression - Be aware of the historical, structural, and
Self-Identification - Listen to how folx self-identify and
systemic impacts on a person's identity like how some minoritized
mirror it back to them (external)
groups are referred to by names they did not choose themselves
Be person-centered - Eliminate disempowering language
Impact > Intent - Mistakes will happen. If harm results from
Context matters - Pay attention to cues in the
something you communicate, apologize, commit to doing and being
environment in which you're communicating
better, and make a change in your habits
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Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
Explaining Service Dogs & Hello, Stars! My name is Kara Morrow and I am the Assistant Director for Disability and Access Services (DAS) which is housed in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Before joining OCU, I worked for the State of Oklahoma interpreting the application of laws and provisions around disability for over 10 years. I have been able to use that experience in my connections with students, and I look forward to engaging with many more of you! If you have any questions (especially about the info below!), please feel free to contact me at kamorrow@okcu.edu, das@okcu.edu or call at (405) 208-5895.
Understanding Service Dogs
The most popular breeds for service dogs are overwhelmingly the Labrador and Golden Retrievers. This is because of their relative trainability but also their "soft mouth" retrieval methods which make them ideally suited for many types of service jobs.
did you know?
Most people are familiar with service dogs. We see them from time to time either on-campus or going about our daily activities within the community. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA or "ADA" for short) defines a service animal as, “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability.” To translate: the federal, state, and municipal governments only recognizes dogs (and on extremely rare occasions miniature horses) as service animals. They are trained to do specific tasks for one individual and one individual only in direct relation to that person's disability. They are allowed in every space where humans are allowed. Remember: never approach someone's service dog to interact with it like you might with a pet. This could distract them from the job(s) they are performing and potentially endanger either the dog or their human.
Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
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Emotional Support Animals Understanding Emotional Support Animals Known as an "ESA," this is any kind of (usually domesticated and non-reptilian) animal that provides therapeutic emotional support for individuals with documented disabilities. ESAs are protected by Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) which means they are allowed to live in housing that does not allow animals. This protection does not extend to any other spaces. At OCU, there is an application process for an ESA that requires specific documentation from both the student making the request and a licensed professional familiar with their case. The documents should answer these questions: 1. What major life functions (moving, eating, sleeping, etc.) are substantially limited by the student's condition(s)? 2. What are the functional limitations of the student's impairment(s)? For example does the student have anxiety that makes it hard to sleep? 3. How will an ESA lessen, relieve, or help one or more of the symptoms of Question 1 or the limitations of Question 2? Once the application and supporting documents are received, they are reviewed and a determination is made. If the animal qualifies, it is granted access to student housing only and not allowed in any other space. An animal that does not qualify as a service dog or an ESA is considered by OCU to be a pet. Currently, the University does not allow pets on campus.
Questions? kamorrow@okcu.edu
405-208-5895
did you know? Even though there are many places online to purchase it, "certification" of neither service dogs nor emotional support animals is required by law and these "certifications" are not considered adequate documentation at OCU.
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Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
Something AboutOUT Access NATIONAL COMING DAY National Coming Out Day is an annual 2SLGBTQIA+ awareness day observed on October 11 to support members of the community to "come out of the closet" and live their lives openly. NCOD was inaugurated by Robert Eichberg, a psychologist, and Jean O'Leary, a political activist, in 1988 in the midst of the AIDS Epidemic. The movement was to maintain positivity and celebrate coming out as a good thing even as many extremely prejudiced pieces of legislation were introduced and put into practice. By 1990, NCOD was observed in all 50 states and merged with another up-and-coming organization of the era: The Human Rights Campaign.
Most people think they don't know anyone [2SLGBTQIA+], and in fact,
everybody does.
- Robert Eichberg, co-founder of National Coming Out Day
At its core, NCOD is a celebration in direct contrast to the homophobia and transphobia 2SLGBTQIA+ folx still encounter. In recent years, OCUs student-led groups SPECTRUM and OCU CARE (Creatives for Artistic & Realistic Equity) have both led successful events to provide support, resources, and connection to students thinking about coming out, students that are out already, and anyone interested in being a better ally or activist. They plan to do it all again this year!
The original logo for NCOD was designed by renowned queer artist, Keith Haring.
8N CU 201 COD @ OC O @ D U 201 NCO 8 Stay current with the most up-to-date information regarding National Coming Out Day at OCU by following (or joining!) each organization:
okcuspectrum
ocu_care
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Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
October 16 is Indigenous Peoples Day in Oklahoma City and in more than 130 cities and 13 other states plus the District of Columbia where it is observed either instead of or in addition to the federal observation of Columbus Day. Columbus Day started as a holiday celebrating 15th-century explorer in 1792 and was put into US legislation in 1937. Indigenous Peoples Day is a holiday that recognizes, celebrates, and honors Native culture and traditions and was first officially observed in OKC in 2018.
After nearly 30 years, the First Americans Museum will open September 18.
The FAM Oklahoma will be celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in October 2021 with live public educational programs and performances as well as offering food, crafts, and other familyfriendly entertainment. Details for this and all other events throughout the year can be found on their website: famok.org.
From the earliest Indigenous tribes to those relocated to "Indian Territory" in the 1800s, more than 39 nations have made Oklahoma their home. Now at the brand new First Americans Museum Oklahoma in southeastern Oklahoma City, visitors can experience the collective histories, cultural diversities, and many contributions of each of them. This place serves as a starting point to explore other tribal museums, cultural centers, and historical sites throughout the entire state.
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Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
In Their own words: Breauna shaw From your perspective, why do we need DEI Roundtables?
What is your role in the Student Government Association? My role is to be a continuous advocate for OCU students in all things diversity-, equity-, and inclusion-related. SGA is a resource for students, and every position is meant to serve, create, and advocate. My position is unique, in that I am the specific Secretary that heads DEI projects and initiatives on-campus. I see my position as being the symbolic microphone for other students to use as a resource to feel empowered to have a voice on campus.
OCU campus culture is filled with passion and creativity. With the many positives that come with this culture, I believe one negative is that it often feels like there are "multiple mini OCU's" within the campus. (I heard someone use that example once and it resonated with me!) These [discussions] will be the best way for various groups to come together to grow and improve OCU. [They] are meant to give a space, outlet, and resource to our students... [and] be a good way for students to not only point out what needs improvement but help find solutions and see actual change happen. This will also be a good opportunity to keep the campus community updated on the great changes that SGA has already made.
How can students get connected and participate? On September 1st we hosted a kickoff event for the DEI Roundtables. We had some great snacks and were able to connect with students directly (with Dr. Carroll!) about the vision for the upcoming monthly roundtables. It was great to be able to ask and answer questions and get suggestions for what students would like to see from these connections. It was a really relaxed conversation and my other SGA members were able to give out more information about the new space we are bringing to campus! We are all super excited to get it going!
Do you have any advice for fellow students as we navigate the new semester? My biggest advice to students for this academic year is to insert your presence! This academic year will pose new and old challenges. Students will be facing Zoom fatigue, COVID-19, as well as the new Delta variant. I want students to know that their presence is valued, both physically and virtually, but their safety is more of a priority. I encourage our campus community to find different ways to stay involved while also practicing safe measures. With this, we must remain positive and intentional in everything we do.
What do you hope we will accomplish by the end of the year? At the end of the year, I hope that more OCU students are encouraged and empowered to use their voices to make real change. SGA is a major resource so I want to see more students utilize it! I also want to see more unity within the student body. To accomplish this, we need diverse perspectives to create lasting change.
@ocusga
@okcudiversity
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Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
RECOMMENDATIONS When high school senior Ruby Rossi unlocks her passion (and talent!) for singing, you would think her family would be thrilled. But when you're the child of Deaf adults (known as a "coda" in Deaf culture) and the only hearing member of your immediate family, expressing your love of music gets complicated. This film is part social commentary, part coming-of-age romantic comedy, part family drama, and all heart. The performances of the entire ensemble create a world so real, you can almost smell the fish the family catch off the coast of Massachusetts. The filmmakers chose to cast performers who are Deaf for the Deaf roles including the legendary Oscar winner Marlee Matlin and the heart-wrenching Troy Kotsur while also introducing Emilia Jones as a force to be reckoned with. CODA is now streaming on AppleTV+
For years, Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler has been a champion for students with disabilities in postsecondary programs and careers. She directs DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) at the University of Washington which sponsors projects that increase the use of assistive technology and promote Universal Design of curriculum, instruction, facilities, and many other aspects of campus life. The question of Universal Design is threefold: is it accessible?, is it inclusive?, and is it useable? These UD characteristics can be interwoven into the design of anything from physical buildings to material goods to digital environments and this Toolkit outlines how to put them into practice quickly! Creating Inclusive Learning Opportunities is available wherever books are sold.
Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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SEPT 44TH ANNUAL PASEO ARTS FESTIVAL than 90 visual artists, 50 musicians and live performers, and 20 food and drink 4-6 More vendors will line OKC's unique, historic Paseo Arts District (between NW 30th &
Dewey and NW 28th & Walker) Saturday through Monday starting at 10am for the 44th Annual Paseo Arts Festival. This free, pet-friendly festival will happen rain or shine!
PAINTERS OF POMPEII EXHIBIT SEPT OCU WEEK @ OKCMOA Returning this year, the partnership of the Center for Excellence in 14-19 Teaching and Learning at OCU and the Oklahoma City Museum of
Art proudly present two special opportunities to dive deeper into The Painters of Pompeii exhibit on September 13 at 12noon and 2pm with curator Bryn Schockmel. Also, during the week of September 14-19, all OCU students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend the exhibit for free!
DEAF AWARENESS DAY SEPT @ OK STATE FAIR 23
Located in the Modern Living Building, the Oklahoma State Fair welcomes folx who are Deaf or hard of hearing for a day of special activities with performances, guest speakers, vendors, Deaf/HOH organizations and resources! Entry to the Fair is $8.
ANNUAL OKLAHOMA ARTS OCT CONFERENCE
27-29 An Oklahoma Arts Council program, the Arts Conference brings together hundreds of artists, non-profit administrators, community developers, civic leaders, educators, and students from across the state for professional development and networking through performances, tours of community arts and cultural spaces, and special events. This year's theme is Embracing the Dawn and the event will take place in Muskogee. Registration is required for attendance.
ANNUAL RED EARTH PARADE & INAUGURAL FALLFEST
OCT 16
For over 40 years, Red Earth, Inc has been recognized as a multi-cultural resource in Oklahoma for advancing the understanding, celebration, and continuation of traditional and contemporary Native culture and art. This year, the Parade will kick off from NW 6th & Walker Avenue at 10am travelling south and ending at the site for the newest event, FallFest at the Myriad Botanical Gardens and Devon Lawn. This event will celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with a free arts and crafts market, intertribal dances and performances, and arts activities to do with the whole family. Learn more at redearth.org/events!
SEPT 6 LABOR
LABOR DAY
OCT 18-19
FALL BREAK
OCT 31 HALLOWEEN
Volume 1, Issue 3 September/October 2021
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HOLIDAYS & OBSERVANCES SEPT 6-8
ROSH HASHANAH
SEPT 15-16
YOM KIPPUR
SEPT 21-29
MABON
OCT 7-15
NAVRATRI OCT 18
MAWLID
tember p e S
ctober O GLOBAL
HISPANIC DIVERSITY HERITAGE AWARENESS MONTH MONTH
OCT 31
SAMHAIN
NAME A STAR IN OUR GALAXY Have you experienced someone doing intentional DEI work?
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE THEM! Use the QR Code or visit bit.ly/DEIStarShoutOut
CONTACT US DEI@OKCU.EDU 405-208-5030 LINKTR.EE/OKCUDIVERSITY
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We acknowledge that we gather on land indigenous to the Comanche, Osage and Wichita tribes, and lands extending throughout the state originally inhabited by the Apache, Quapaw, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. We acknowledge that the 39 sovereign tribal nations inhabiting what is now Oklahoma originate from all four corners of the North American continent, and that American indigenousness is hemispheric in scope. We honor the land and the people who have stewarded it throughout generations, and we commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit.
