DIVERSITY MATTERS
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2019
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Dominique Crockett. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Book Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Training and Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 DVAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Dance Lesson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Campus Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Diversity Photo Contest Winners. . . . 4 CHIPS/NDEAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Veterans Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Native American Heritage Month. . . . 5 Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Religious Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
OFFICE OF EQUITY AND DIVERSITY TEAM
DOMINIQUE CROCKETT COMPLETES EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CERTIFICATION
uthsc.edu/oed/staff Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP Assistant Vice Chancellor/CDO Olivia Ralph, JD Compliance Officer Lauren Rotonda, JD, MBA Compliance Officer
This fall, OED team member Dominique Crockett completed the HumaNext Facilitator Certification in Emotional Intelligence. The training consisted of a series of recorded webinars, online assignments, assessments, and written coaching feedback to guide the future facilitator through the best ways to deliver training.
Dominique Crockett, MHA Sr. Administrative Specialist, Compliance Assurance Tiffinie Snowden OED Assistant
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/ Section 504/ADA/ADEA/V institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.
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DIVERSITY MATTERS
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2019
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION BOOK CLUB OED’s book club, led by Olivia Ralph, JD, continues to gain steam as an event with stimulating discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participation is fluid to account for varying schedules and subject matter interests. In November, the group discussed The Last Pass by Gary M. Pomerantz about two NBA stars, Bob Cousy and Bill Russell, and their relationship as teammates through the civil rights movement of the 50s and 60s. Each book discussion occurs from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm in the Madison Plaza Lobby. Other books coming up this school year are:
JANUARY 16, 2020 BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME by Ta-Nehisi Coates
FEBRUARY 27, 2020 BECOMING by Michelle Obama
MAY 21, 2020 THE WARMTH OF OTHER SUNS by Isabel Wilkerson
TRAINING AND OUTREACH Dr. Michael Alston and Dr. Chandra Alston facilitated a session on “Inclusive Leaders: Understanding Inclusion in Today’s World” to the second cohort for the UT System’s Executive Leadership Institute Academy that kicked off at UTHSC on October 8-9, 2019. On Thursday, November 7, Dr. Michael Alston and Dr. Chandra Alston were presenters for the Administrative Professionals Retreat held in Gatlinburg, TN. “Unconscious Bias in the Workplace” was their topic. The Office of Employee and Organizational Development (EOD) sponsored the program. Last, Dr. Michael Alston served as the invited guest speaker for Sherwood Middle School’s Honor Roll Assembly on Thursday, November 14. Dr. Alston was asked to connect his presentation to the theme of “There is a Leader in Me” in support of the first nine weeks of school. 2
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH OBSERVANCE Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. Although the activities varied, they shared the following common themes: • Mourning those who have died because of domestic violence • Celebrating those who have survived • Connecting those who work to end violence These three themes remain a key focus of DVAM events today. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since with National Coalition Against Domestic Violence providing key leadership in this effort. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
presented an interactive safety program covering a range of topics from the cycle of violence, domestic violence victim to offender relationships, police response, prosecution, to protection orders. In addition to these programs, OED coordinated two “Purple Thursday” photos to show support for survivors of domestic violence.
On October 8, 2019, OED hosted a Domestic Violence Resource Fair where community partners joined the office to provide information about community resources. Later in the month, on October 29, Sergeant Joanne Morrow
Adapted from the 1996 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Resource Manual of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nrcdv.org/dvam/DVAM-history
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH DANCE LESSON UTHSC students, staff, and faculty participate in a Latin dance lesson with Edgar Mendez from the Rumba Room in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. 3
DIVERSITY MATTERS
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2019
DIVERSITY PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FIRST QUARTER WINNERS OF THE DIVERSITY PHOTO CONTEST! Quarter 1 theme: WHAT DOES DIVERSITY LOOK AND FEEL LIKE
CHIPS SIMULATION AND LEARNING LAB
FOR DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH Student Winner: Sanjana Haque
We recognize, we accept, we respect, we celebrate, this cultural diversity and inclusion of ours which will always be the center of what we do.
Faculty winner: Marie Hatten
My son with his best friends and me with my best friend! We all represent different ages, races, backgrounds, and spiritual beliefs.
HISTORY OF NDEAM NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and promotes public awareness and education regarding the value of a workforce inclusive of diverse skills and talents. NDEAM dates back to 1945, when it first began as a weeklong public observance. As World War II service members with disabilities began to return to the workforce, Congress created “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” as a campaign to raise public support and awareness. The word “physically” was removed from the title in 1962, to reflect the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the observance period, and declared the entire month of October to be “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.”
Staff Winner: Kandi Hodges
NDEAM 2019
The second-quarter theme, “WHAT DOES INCLUSION LOOK AND FEEL LIKE”, is open for submissions until December 31, 2019. Contact the Office of Equity and Diversity at 901.448.2112 for more details or visit our website at uthsc. edu/oed/photo-contest.php
As a public institution of higher education and a federal contractor, UTHSC is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and to educating and empowering future members of the workforce. In observance of NDEAM, UTHSC hosted a simulation course and learning lab in the CHIPS home environment and adjoining conference room. ADA Advisory Council members volunteered their time and resources to guide participants through the CHIPS home environment and learning lab. This event was focused on presenting design concepts that empower individuals with disabilities to be independent at home and in the workplace and teaching individuals without disabilities about the ways these design concepts can improve all our lives.
A group of medical and dental professionals represent the diversity found in medical education in Knoxville. They represent a variety of departments, programs, years of education, years of practice, faculty appointments, and administrative duties. They also represent diversity in age, gender, and heritage. We are proud of the diversity that creates the Knoxville campus.
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VETERANS DAY In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.” Armistice Day originally memorialized the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 am, November 11, 1918. In 1954, this federal holiday was changed to Veteran’s Day and became a day to honor all men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States. Throughout history, our veterans and their families have put their lives on hold to protect our country. On Veterans Day, it is important that we acknowledge their service and display gratitude for their sacrifices. Not only do our veterans protect our rights and freedom, but they also provide service and aid to those in need. The caring and selfless spirit of our past veterans continues to live on in the hearts of those currently enlisted. Our veterans have made us advocates for democracy and justice throughout the world. On November 11, 2019, the Office of Equity and Diversity & Special Events hosted a Veterans Day reception. UTHSC faculty, staff and student veterans were honored with gifts and tributes. The UTHSC community shared words of thanks for our service members’ contributions and sacrifices.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Native American Heritage Month celebrates the accomplishments of the indigenous peoples who were the original inhabitants, explorers, and settlers of the United States.
Proclamation 5577 in November 1986, proclaiming the first American Indian Week. The proclamation recognized Native Americans as the first inhabitants of the land of which the United States is now comprised, and acknowledged the significant cultural contributions Native Americans have made to this country, noting that, "many of the foods we eat and the medicines and remedies we use were introduced by Indians and more than one highway follows an Indian trail. Indians make contributions in every area of endeavor and American life, and our literature and all our arts draw upon Indian themes and wisdom. Countless American Indians have served in our Armed Forces and have fought valiantly for our country."
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Office of Equity and Diversity presented a selection of online museum exhibits and content which celebrate Native American cultures and heritage, and examine some of the challenges tribal communities are currently facing. Students, staff, and faculty also had the opportunity to enter a drawing for a pair of tickets to the local C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa, a site featuring a Mississippian mound complex, nature trail and arboretum, hands-on archaeology lab, an extensive collection of artifacts recovered from a 40-year period of excavation, and exhibits which explore the history and traditions of historic and prehistoric Native groups which occupied the southeastern United States.
Since 1990, by issue of annual presidential proclamations, the commemorative period has been expanded to include the entire month of November. These proclamations celebrate the achievements and contributions of Native Americans and encourage all Americans to observe the month by learning more about Native American cultures, and participating in appropriate events and activities.
Native American Heritage Month originated in 1986, when Congress passed Pub. L. 99-471, which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week of November 23-30, 1986, as “American Indian Week.” As directed by Congress, President Reagan issued Presidential
Adapted from: loc.gov/law/help/commemorativeobservations/american-indian.php 5
DIVERSITY MATTERS
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2019
COMMUNITY EVENTS
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS Nov. 1 All Saints Day – Christian Samhain – Beltane * – Wicca/Pagan Northern and Southern hemispheres Nov. 2
All Souls Day – Catholic Christian
Nov. 10
Mawlid an Nabi * – Islam
Nov. 12
Birth of Baha'u'llah * – Baha'i
Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib – Sikh
Nov. 15 Nativity Fast begins – ends Dec. 24 – Orthodox Christian
NATIONAL ROSA PARKS DAY AWARDS & GALA National Civil Rights Museum | Sunday, Dec. 1 Join Minority Leader Karen Camper, Chair of the TN Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Raumesh Akbari, the Lt. Governor of the State of New Jersey, the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates for a National Celebration of the life and legacy of Mrs. Rosa L. Parks. Women from all over the country will come together to celebrate her legacy of courage. Ticket includes entertainment, full dinner and invitation to book signing by honorees. For more information visit eventbrite.com/e/national-rosaparks-day-awards-gala-tickets-72723392625
Nov. 24
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur – Sikh
Nov. 26
Day of the Covenant * – Baha'i
Nov. 28 Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha * – Baha'i
Thanksgiving – Interfaith USA
Dec. 1 – 24
Advent – Christian
Dec. 8
Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) – Buddhism
Immaculate Conception of Mary – Catholic Christian Dec. 12 Feast day – Our Lady of Guadalupe – Catholic Christian Dec. 16 – 25 Posadas Navidenas – Hispanic Christian Dec. 21 Yule – Litha * – Wicca/Pagan Northern and Southern hemispheres Dec. 23 – 30 Hanukkah – Jewish
MEMPHIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA POPS: MAGIC OF MEMPHIS
Dec. 24
Christmas Eve – Christian
Dec. 25
Christmas * – Christian
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts | Dec. 22 - 23
Feast of the Nativity ** – Orthodox Christian
MSO’s Holiday Extravaganza just keeps getting bigger and better! This year the Orchestra, Chorus and soloists are joined by America’s Premiere Female Illusionist Lyn Dillies! Lyn has mesmerized audiences throughout the United States and Canada with amazing feats of magic, set to grand holiday classics. She might even help Maestro Moody appear out of thin air! Make Magic of Memphis your family’s new Holiday Tradition! For more information, visit thecannoncenter.com/content/memphis-symphonyorchestra-pops-magic-memphis
Dec. 26 Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra) ** – Zoroastrian
St. Stephen's Day – Christian
Dec. 31
Watch Night – Christian
* Holy days usually begin at sundown the day before this date. ** Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.
For more information, please contact: Office of Equity and Diversity | 920 Madison Ave. | Suite 825 t 901.448.2112 | f 901.448.1120
uthsc.edu/oed 6