Addressing deep-rooted inequity
Understand what Ohio State’s Task Force on Racism and Racial Inequities is doing to make the university more equitable for all students, staff and faculty.
How do you right the wrongs of systemic racial inequity? That’s the challenge issued to the 17-member Task Force on Racism and Racial Inequities. We spoke to co-chairs James L. Moore III, Ohio State’s chief diversity officer and vice provost for diversity and inclusion, and Tom Gregoire, dean of the College of Social Work, about the long road forward.
Tom Gregoire (Photo by Jo McCulty)
James L. Moore III (Photo by Melissa Lyttle)
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How is this conversation going so far?
Gregoire: I have seen more compassion and more courage in the last few months from my colleagues than ever before. People who might have seen themselves as bystanders are contemplating the possibility that isn’t helpful anymore and really never was.
Moore: We have some of the best minds in the world, but they don’t feel comfortable talking about these issues. We have to do a better job of giving people the tools to engage in this work.
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What can alumni do?
Gregoire: All of our alumni could begin by being curious. We’ve all been taught a particular way of thinking about race. How else could I view this and what are the implications if I do?
Moore: The greatest ambassadors for our university are our alumni. They need to continue to be leaders and carry forward this banner of multiculturalism and inclusion. I would hope our alumni continue to feed their own reservoir of change by taking the continuing education courses and free webinars that are available.
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How do you ensure this task force results in action, not just talk?
Moore: President Kristina Johnson has given us the autonomy to look under rocks as we see fit and to commission people to have deeper conversations.
Gregoire: Some very intelligent people have convened us with an eye toward action. They have written a big check here and know they have to cash it. Our job is to give them something to act on.
