Setting the Tone in DEI, Accessibility Work

Following up plans for educational access and equity with actions has become the hallmark of Grand Valley State University, which has a statewide presence in Michigan.

After the death of George Floyd in 2020, Dr. Philomena V. Mantella, president of Grand Valley State, issued and completed a 15-point plan for racial equity as a clear statement on providing foundational knowledge around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and emphasizing commitment to the university’s values.

Dr. Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury“We’ve instituted an all-employee DEI training,” says Dr. Jesse M. Bernal, chief of staff to the president and vice president for inclusion and equity. “It’s an online module that we released earlier this year to all our faculty and staff as required training. It was also incorporated into all our new employee/new faculty orientations.

“The last piece we’re now launching is around structural changes,” he continues. “All of our divisions and our colleges are now appointing DEI leads and liaisons who are going to work with their vice president or deans around some part of our commitment to inclusion and equity and also convene with each other to set the university strategy moving forward.”

Undergraduate education

One of the commitments began expanding undergraduate education to make sure all students experience courses or curriculum related specifically to racism and racial equity, which was approved last fall by the general education committee and the provost.