The Student Government Association has been making strides to help the University Diversity Council (UDC) reach the goals outlined in their five-year strategic plan. Executive Senator Davice Jones, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair for SGA, has been working closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs on several points of this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plan of the University put into place by the UDC. Jones says that in the past Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts have “not been our priority and it should be.” A large step in prioritizing these initiatives was the creation of the DEI Committee Chair position by previous SGA President, Anne Patterson. Being the first one to fill this position, Jones says “I’ve learned a lot on how to help people and boost their voices,” as she paves the way for all who step into her position following her term.
Being at a predominately white institution, many students of color may feel as if they cannot have their voices heard as easily. Jones is hoping to help break down this barrier particularly between students of color and SGA. Her committee works toward creating a better campus climate by using assessment tools to collect feedback from underrepresented students. Jones wants to give everyone a platform, “I think everyone should have a voice in what priorities are held highest by the university.” She has been working to gather opinions and concerns from all students, not just those who feel comfortable enough to attend an SGA meeting. Jones says she has reached out to several clubs and organizations, inviting members to visit general body meetings in order to create a more diverse and accurate assessment of campus climate.
DEI initiatives have come and gone through many organizations over the years, but they don’t always seem to be carried out as some may hope, and even may be forgotten completely. Executive Senator Justin Putney mentions how previous DEI initiatives had come with copious amounts of discussion, but there was never much action to follow through. Jones discusses how initiatives in the past can fade out, especially as “there can be a lack of transition” in clubs and organizations at a university. This lack of transition can exist in organizations with an executive structure, as the plans and initiatives of previous officers may get lost or seem unimportant to the incoming officer. Instead of the initiatives being led solely by a student organization, these DEI efforts are university approved actions where several organizations are involved in creating change.
“This doesn’t end,” says Jones. These goals cannot be reached overnight, the initiatives are long term but also incredibly worthwhile to evoke change. Through difficult conversations with either student representatives of SGA or faculty and staff, both Executive Senators Jones and Putney know it will ultimately lead to a more positive environment for all students. Stressing the importance of advocating for oneself, Jones encourages students to get involved by going to SGA and voicing their opinions to be heard.
