05 05
February/March 2022
LUMINOSITY SHINING A LIGHT ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION AT OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
I N 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
T H I S
DISABILITY & EMPLOYMENT
I S S U E :
SPOTLIGHT ON:
SHALYNNE JACKSON
MARCH 31
TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY
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Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT VALUES
I feel a particular fondness for the months of February and March because they are history months that honor my two most salient identities. When I introduce myself when facilitating any workshops or conversations with our community surrounding identity, I tend to say, “I identify as a Black woman, and those two identities, for me, are inextricably connected.” I have been known to take my hands, draw them together, and link my fingers to represent what I mean. My identity development as an emerging adult into adulthood has afforded me the opportunity to regularly interrogate what my salient identities mean to me. I consider history, present, and potential of the future as I navigate spaces that were not created for people like me, or allow me to experience myself represented in a space. It is, then, during these months that I try to be intentional about my learning, reflections, and decisions for action that support these identities. So many of our identities, in fact, may feel inseparable and I imagine if you took some time to think about what those might be, you would also arrive at two or more that fit the description.
ACCESS DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSIVITY RESPECT LEARNING COMMUNITY JUSTICE
MISSION To work collaboratively with campus partners, alumni, and friends of Oklahoma City University to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through policy,
During this time, I invite each of you to think about what you can learn that will be additive to your existing knowledge, whether that be through the news, social media, a new book you have been wanting to read, or even attending events that outside of your traditional sphere of interest. We have much to gain when we commit to expanding our perspectives, whether for our personal growth, or to learn about others. Let us celebrate fully with the understand that no single month should be the only time to reflect, recognize, and rejoice in how far we have come, but also recognizing we still have a long way to go.
Talia Carroll, Ph.D. (she/her) Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
education, and strategic initiatives that advance our university’s mission.
STATEMENT
Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN
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DEI@OCU
BIT name changes to CARE in 2022
In January, the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) changed its name to the Campus Assessment Response and Education Team (CARE Team). The team will continue to fulfill its purpose of identifying, assessing, and monitoring OCU students displaying moderate to extreme levels of concerning behaviors including but not limited to frequent or chronic illness or fatigue, hostile outbursts, deterioration in personal hygiene or even threats to harm themselves or others. The primary goal is to intervene before a crisis arises. OCU community members are able to submit a referral form via CARE's website at okcu.edu/campus/resources/care. These forms can be submitted anonymously. Any OCU student fearing a peer may be in distress is greatly encouraged to utilize the referral form and get in touch with the CARE team.
Reaffirmation of OCU HLC Accreditation
Since 1951, OCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has maintained its full accreditation status these past 70 years. The HLC is an independent corporation that ensures that OCU continues to meet accepted national standards in the classroom with a focus on student and institutional learning, serving a public purpose, embracing our modern world, practicing ethical behavior, and adhering to our strong mission as a university. By participating in the various projects and partnerships throughout each college, OCU maintains its status both with HLC and in the local and national communities. Each decade, OCU reaffirms its commitment to HLC Accreditation by hosting a visit from a Peer Review Team scheduled for February 28 and March 1. There are many faculty, staff, and students working to ensure our reaffirmation led by the Assurance Argument Steering Committee. There should be a minimum interruption to a normal day on-campus, but be aware that you may be asked to be a part of a forum with an opportunity to tell the Peer Review Team what you think about OCU!
Faculty & Staff of Color Collective established Before the holiday break, Vice President Carroll called for staff and faculty members who identify as racially and/or ethnically diverse to participate in a university-wide opportunity to connect with colleagues who hold similar identities to build community in intentional and meaningful ways. Humans have survived by living in communities since the beginning. Currently, community building is central to conversations about identity and equity that can deepen relationships, create feelings of belonging and provide support for all people across the diaspora. If you are interested in joining, email dei@okcu.edu.
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Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
Transgender Day of Visibility MAR 31
International Transgender Day of Visibility is dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of the various discrimination faced by transgender folx all over the world as well as a recognition and celebration of their contributions to society.
The term "transgender" can have many meanings - it's an umbrella term used by folx whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth. Trans humans can identify as transgender, non-binary ("enby" or NB), genderfluid (or fluid), genderqueer, or TwoSpirit (usually used by Native and Indigenous cultures) among many other identities. Additionally, folx may choose to not identify in any of these ways - there is no one way to be trans! This year, we can think about how we are currently showing up for trans-folx and how we might grow into allies, advocates, and activists!
activism is a ladder! An ally is someone who elevates the efforts of advocates and activists while actively recognizing they are not a part of a marginalized and/or minoritized community, are willing to educate themselves, and share support in their own circles of influence.
Local organizations like PFLAG and Freedom Oklahoma are great places to meet like-minded folx and start to educate yourself!
An advocate is someone who may or may not be a member of a marginalized and/or minoritized community and publicly supports the work of activists with their time, physical presence, prolonged attention, or money.
An activist is someone who is actively involved in pushing for positive change, holding those in power accountable for their actions, setting the agenda and the course, and leading the charge forward sometimes at great personal risk.
Prominent people like Ryan Murphy (L), the producer of POSE, and Jamie Lee Curtis (R) are wonderful advocates that bring awareness to the cause of trans rights.
make plans to climb the ladder!
From L-R: Writer Raquel Willis; attorney Mia Yamamoto; organizer Jennicet Gutiérrez; US Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel Levine; artist and entrepreneur Angelica Ross. All of these transwomen are activists for the trans community and the global community!
Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
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RECOMMENDATIONS Built around the conflicts between several Black outlaw gangs in the Old West while defying facts of the postCivil War era, THE HARDER THEY FALL is entirely fiction but uses the names and reputations of real Black folx of the era to remind us in the very first frame of the movie: These. People. Existed. We meet the likes of: Nat Love, an enslaved-person-turned-cowboy; Rufus Buck, a criminal outlaw with his own gang; Mary Fields also known as "Stagecoach Mary" who protected herself while making deliveries as the first Black mail carrier in the United States; Bass Reeves, the first Black US Marshal who could speak the languages of many Native American tribes; Crawford "Cherokee Bill" Goldsby, a gang-member of Cherokee and African decent; and Bill Pickett, a cowboy from Texas who invented a rodeo sport known as bull-dogging. The film is splashy and violent, but in its wild departures from the genre actually touches on a more realistic view of our collective past by showing the lives and doings of people of color in the real Old West. AVAILABLE ON
When author Laura Coates joined the Department of Justice as a prosecutor, she wanted to advocate for the most vulnerable among us. But she quickly realized that even with the best intentions, "the pursuit of justice creates injustice." Coates writes about what she saw on the front lines of the legal system: how Black communities are policed differently, Black cases are prosecuted differently, and Black defendants are judged differently than their counterparts. Through captivating scenes from the courtroom, Coates explores the tension between the idealism of the law and the reality of working within the parameters of a flawed system, witnessing the unrelenting parade of Black and Brown defendants in what seems like the only place where minoritized folx are overrepresented, and the chasm between what is lawful and what is right.
Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
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The Enduring Legacy of
Clara Luper
Oklahoma icon, Clara Shepard Luper was born in Okfuskee County in 1923. After earing her bachelor's, she was the first Black person to be admitted into the graduate History program at the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1951. In 1958, she pioneered and led one of the very first sit-ins at Katz Drug Store in downtown Oklahoma City. Always a teacher first, Luper and her students organized and worked tirelessly to end segregation through nonviolence at hundreds of restaurants, cafes, theatres, hotels, and even churches. She also led campaigns on equal banking rights, open housing, and voting rights. She became a giant in the Civil Rights Movement. 10 years later in 1968, she was one of few Black teachers chosen to teach at OKC's newly desegregated public high school, Northwest Classen, and later John Marshall High.
While continuing to engage in civic activism, Mrs. Luper raised children, hosted her own radio show, wrote a book, ran for the US Senate, advised the NAACP Youth Council, and continued to teach American History in and around Oklahoma City for 41 years becoming a champion of the OKC Public School District and public education in general. Though she died in 2011, her legacy is cemented in several buildings, streets, departments, and in the Here at OCU, we are privileged to be the stewards of The Clara future, the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center in OKC, as well Luper Scholarship that provides a full tuition waiver, room and as in the lives of all of her students. board, and membership into the President's Leadership Class to deserving students from diverse backgrounds who may otherwise not be able to afford a private university education. We honor Mrs. Luper's legacy in its faith-based mission, values, small class size, and an emphasis on community engagement and service.
A close-up of The Mother, The Giant created by former Clara Luper Scholar Leondre Lattimore (Class of 2020) that hangs permanently in the University Center Shdeed Lounge.
Completed in 2019, the Clara Luper Center for Educational Services houses the administrative staff and hosts outreach programs for OKC Public Schools.
Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
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SPOTLIGHT ON:
Shalynne Jackson
Meet Oklahoma City's First Chief Officer of Diversity & Inclusion
Almost exactly a year ago, The City of
Originally from Tulsa and graduate of the
Oklahoma City hired its first Diversity &
University of Oklahoma with her master’s
Inclusion
degree in Human Relations (and a
officer.
This
position
was
formed to “lead the execution of the city’s
bachelor’s
strategy
and
Criminology), Jackson comes to OKC from
inclusion, including providing training,
the corporate world where she served as a
implementing
for
diversity,
Human
Relations
and
practices,
and
consultant supporting strategic initiatives
guidance
and
for multiple Fortune 500 companies, the
education” for internal employees of the
VP of Diversity for the Tulsa Area Human
city to investigate the organization as a
Resources Association (TAHRA), and was
whole and take an honest look at where
recognized for
certain internal city employees might be
OKHR Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion award
at a disadvantage.
in 2020.
providing
best
equity
in
coaching,
Enter: Shalynne Jackson.
Oklahoma's inaugural
Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
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In her new role in Oklahoma City, she works with all departments within the municipal government and especially with human resources to create an environment that promotes authenticity where employees can bring their whole selves to work without fear of prejudice or discrimination. In a recent conversation with Candor PR, Jackson describes herself: "I grew up in Tulsa and was raised by a single mother and my maternal grandparents. My father was incarcerated most of my life. I’m a first generation college graduate, and I was diagnosed with Alopecia at age 6. Additionally, I am a wife, mother and a woman of faith. I name all of these aspects of my diversity dimensions because they’re important to why I do this work. I know what it’s like to cover and assimilate. I also know what it feels like to overcome obstacles and achieve what society told you was impossible. I do this work because I want everyone to have equitable opportunity to attain success while remaining true to their diversity dimensions. This work is not only my passion but my purpose." Jackson says “I like to say diversity is the noun and inclusion is the verb. Even if you hire a bunch of black and brown people and people of different sexual orientations, that doesn’t mean an inclusive culture will just happen. Inclusion is the actions and behaviors which express a company wants to create a culture where employees truly feel comfortable. They can grow in the organization and see themselves at the top, if that’s where they want to be. They don’t just have a seat at the table — they have a voice at the table.” It is this type of engagement she is implementing both at and in the City of OKC. "I look forward to being truly accessible to our community and inviting people to share their ideas. I want our city to be a welcoming place where all individuals feel they belong and can live, work, play, and be happy."
"Diversity is the noun and inclusion is the verb." - CHIEF OFFICER JACKSON
Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
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Disability & Employment FROM KARA MORROW, ASST. DIRECTOR OF DISABILITY & ACCESS SERVICES There are many factors to consider when a person with a disability is entering the workforce for the first time
or
shifting
in
their
current
employment. There are also guidelines for supervisors and employers of folx with disabilities. As we know, "disability" is a broad term, and that is on purpose. Disability Rights Laws are designed to protect both employers and employees in instances of potential discrimination related to accommodations for those with disabilities.
I'm Kara Morrow and I am the Assistant Director for Disability and Access Services (DAS) which is housed in the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Before joining OCU, I worked for the State of Oklahoma interpreting the application of laws and provisions around disability for over 10 years. If you have any questions, please contact me at kamorrow@okcu.edu, das@okcu.edu or call (405) 208-5895.
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Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
When must employers provide reasonable accommodations in employment? If the employer has fifteen or more employees, they are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who meet the definition of a person with a disability and request accommodations be made.
In employment, what is the definition of a person with a disability? The definition is the same as in a nonemployment situation: The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) as amended defines a person with a disability to include (1) individuals with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) individuals who are regarded as having such an impairment; and (3)
During the application or interview stage, can an employer ask if you have a disability or ask you to take a medical exam? No. The law places strict limits on employers when it comes to asking any job applicants to answer disabilityrelated questions, take a medical exam, or identify a disability. Also an employer may not ask applicants if they have a disability (or even about the nature of an "obvious" disability). An employer may ask applicants whether they can perform the essential functions of the job, and if or how they would perform the job, with or
individuals with a record of such an impairment.
Can an employer ask about my disability status after a genuine offer of employment has been made? After a job is offered to an applicant, the law allows an employer to condition the job offer on the applicant answering certain disability-related questions or successfully passing a medical exam, but only if all new employees in the same type of job must answer the questions or take the exam.
without a reasonable accommodation.
What are my options if I feel I have been discriminated against because of a disability? If you believe you have experienced discrimination due to your disability, you may be able to file an internal complaint through the Human Resources department of the employer or you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
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Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEB OKC 18
MUSEUM OF ART FILMS PRESENTS TONI MORRISON: THE PIECES I AM DOCUMENTARY ONE NIGHT ONLY In celebration and recognition of Black History & Heritage month, Museum Films is proud to bring the inspiring portrait of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison back to the Noble Theatre's big screen on the 91st anniversary of Morrison's birth. In partnership with Magnolia Films, the film explores the extraordinary art and life of a groundbreaking literary giant who became an international icon. Woven together with a rich collection of art, history, literature, and personality, it includes discussions about her many works, her role as an editor, and her time teaching. Tickets available at okcmoa.com/films.
Q&A WITH WATCHMEN & GREENWOOD FEB STREAM To celebrate the six-month anniversary of its opening and in correlation with 24 Black History & Heritage Month, Greenwood Rising museum in Tulsa will release a pre-recorded panel discussion with the creators of HBO's series Watchmen in which the Tulsa Race Massacre featured heavily. This panel is free to view but registration is required by visiting bit.ly/greenwoodrisingpanel.
MAR WOMEN OF COLOR EXPO IN DOWNTOWN the Perry Publishing & Broadcasting Company, a wide variety of vendors, and 19 Join over 3,000 patrons at the Women of Color Expo from 10am to 6pm to empower,
OKC
inspire, and honor the women of color in our community as well as celebrate their numerous achievements. Lisaraye McCoy will join as the keynote speaker at the Awards Luncheon. Tickets and other info is available at womenofcolorexpo.org.
MAR 23-27
WORLD PREMIERE OF A NEW AMERICAN MUSICAL @ FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM
In a partnership with Lyric Theatre OKC and the First Americans Museum, Distant Thunder will premiere on March 23. Darrell Waters, a brash young attorney, returns to his childhood home in Montana to broker a deal between a large energy company and the Blackfeet Nation. In the process, he is forced to confront his painful past, a childhood sweetheart, and his identity against the paradigm of being Native American in America. Performances run from Wednesday through Sunday with matinees available Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $59 each and are available through lyrictheatreokc.com.
FEB 14
Valentine's Day
MAR Spring MAR Ash 2 Wednesday 14-18
Break
RISING
Volume 2, Issue 1 February/March 2022
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HOLIDAYS & OBSERVANCES FEBRUARY 1-15 LUNAR NEW YEAR
February BLACK HISTORY &
HERITAGE MONTH
FEBRUARY 15
NIRVANA DAY
MARCH 20 OSTARA
MARCH 18-19
MID-SHA'BAN
MARCH 16-17 PURIM
March WOMEN'S
HISTORY MONTH
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 our Linktree!
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.
