Pitt alum takes over as diversity chief at ‘pivotal moment

Katie Sottile

Staff Writer

When Clyde Pickett learned he would be the new head of Pitt’s Ofce of Diversity and Inclusion, he celebrated in true 2020 fashion — by staying home. Tat did not dampen his enthusiasm, though.

Pickett, a 2017 graduate of Pitt’s School of Education, was appointed as the University’s vice chancellor of diversity and inclusion in June. Pickett’s ofce encompasses work dealing with Title IX, disability resources and civil rights compliance.

Afer three years of serving as the chief diversity ofcer for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Pickett said he was excited to come back to Pittsburgh.

“I was ecstatic about being entrusted to come to the University of Pittsburgh,” Pickett said. “Given that we are in the midst of both the pandemic and a national moment of addressing and confronting racism in the United States, it was exciting news for the possibilities.”

Although the upcoming semester will look a bit diferent than normal, Pickett said he is optimistic that ODI will be able to support students who are staying both on and of campus with online videos, a town hall lecture series and counseling services.

“Te priority of the work we’ve put in place is to be available to support our students,” Pickett said. “We know we are in a pivotal moment, in terms of this environment, and I want us to maintain our posture and be responsive to the needs of students.”

ODI hosted the virtual 2020 Diversity Forum, “Advancing Social Justice: A Call to Action” in late July, which facilitated discussion on burdens disproportionately inficted upon Black people, including disease and disenfranchisement. Pickett said he was encouraged by the nearly 12,000 participants and hopes that programming like this can continue to digitally connect students to resources related to promoting equity.

“It’s important for us to be intentional about outreach and connecting with students to continue the programs that are available,” Pickett said. “We’re excited to sit down and talk with students about how we can continue to meet their needs.”

Te Diversity Forum served as part of an ongoing conversation about racial equity at the University. Student activists have been at the forefront of the discussion — 18 Black student organizations sent a list of demands to the administration in June, and School of Medicine students got their new dean to agree to wideranging demands. Pitt’s division of Student Affairs released an anti-racism plan in July, which addressed some student concerns.

Pickett said while some diversity and inclusion conversation took place prior to him joining the University, it is important for there to be an open line of communication between students and administration.

“In my role as vice chancellor, I am commitviding students with support, Pickett said society needs to normalize student activism.

“I applaud our students for their leadership and the willingness to voice their concern,” Pickett said. “As a former student leader and someone who has been in the work of addressing equity, diversity and inclusion for some time, I understand that any efort to advance change for the better must include our students.”

James Huguley, the interim director for Pitt’s Center on Race and Social Problems, said education is critical because it combats white indiference.

“Large swaths of whites simply do not have to care about race issues, and that is true even at perceivably progressive institutions like the Uni

Clyde Pickett, a 2017 graduate of the School of Education, was appointed as the University’s vice chancellor of diversity and inclusion in June. Image via University of Pittsburgh

ted to being accessible to students and doing all versity of Pittsburgh,” Huguley said. “I’m sure it’s I can to help foster an equitable and inclusive frustrating to students that they will encounter campus,” Pickett said. “ODI remains committed not only outright opposition, but more comto serving our community and doing everything munity lukewarm interests in issues that Black we can to improve the student experience for all.” students may feel is life or death.”

Racial equity is at the forefront of ODI’s misHuguley added that Black representation sion, particularly in the wake of the social unrest within the University is vital. A Pitt alumna resurrounding George Floyd’s death at the hands cently started a petition calling for the University of Minneapolis police, Pickett said. to include a Black studies requirement for all stu

“We understand the nation’s fght for equity dents, which has since gained more than 7,000 and justice has taken more priority in the eyes signatures. of the public,” Pickett said. “We want to do ev“Te University is a place where we need to erything we can to make the University of Pittseducate the masses to restore communities of burgh a more equitable, inclusive and belonging color that have been harmed and exploited by campus for all of our constituents, and certainly, the systems that built American institutions like that includes our students.” universities,” Huguley said. “Having people in in

While the University is responsible for profuential positions that can advocate for students’ August 19, 2020

needs and experiences is an essential protective structure in the University.”

Pickett is also responsible for coordinating with Pitt’s Title IX team to provide resources and support to students who have experienced sexual harassment. Te Title IX ofce has spent the summer implementing new regulations that Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos imposed upon universities this past May. Te rules were met with pushback from the University, out of concern that they might discourage students from fling a report.

Carrie Benson, the Title IX prevention and education coordinator, said it has been a balancing act to ensure that the University is in compliance with the federal government while still providing students with a sense of safety.

“We had a little over three months to read, interpret and understand a way to implement these new regulations, during a global pandemic,” Benson said. “Te health, safety and the wellbeing of our students is our frst priority. While we may not be able to physically interact as we used to, ODI is still fully stafed and committed to supporting our students.”

Pennsylvania was one of several states to join a multistate lawsuit requesting an injunction against the new Title IX regulations, which narrow the defnition of sexual harassment and require a cross-examination between parties. Despite the changes, Pickett said his ofce will continue to prioritize student support and resources.

“As the new regulations go in place, we’re committed to providing response and doing what we can to support our students,” Pickett said. “If our students experience sexual misconduct or harassment, we want to be a resource and we remain prepared to address those things.”

Amid the ongoing fght for equity with a new academic year on the horizon, Pickett said he wants students to seize the opportunity to continue their education inside and outside of the classroom.

“I would remind students to stay positive and focused on their education, but lean into the opportunity to help make change happen,” Pickett said. “Every major movement in this country has signifcant input and infuence from students being involved in progressive change.”