Strategy Sessions Designed to Combat Racism, Build More Inclusive Campus

A series of campuswide digital strategy sessions is one of many additional actions the University of Arkansas is taking to achieve transformative change in the areas of diversity and inclusion on its campus.

All students and employees have been invited to attend the sessions, titled "Transforming U of A: Combatting Racism to Build a More Inclusive Campus." Seven sessions have been held so far and one more is scheduled with registration for the following time:

• Monday, Aug. 10, from 5-7 p.m. Register by Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to register for sessions through their computers rather than a mobile device. If accommodations are needed for the event, please contact Rickey Booker at rbooker@uark.edu.

Participants will break into groups by peer status to discuss campus needs relative to the university's diversity and inclusion priority and the goal to promote inclusivity, racial equity and belonging among all students, including those who are historically underrepresented on campus.

The sessions are part of a series of campuswide conversations following the death of George Floyd that will be held by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion to inform a campus action plan that will identify specific actions toward a more inclusive campus culture and climate.

"This is a challenging time for our nation and the University of Arkansas," said Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. "Our campus, like others, has challenges that must be addressed. We have a responsibility to lead in this moment, and our first of many steps is to engage our campus community to confront racial inequities, systemic racism and other forms of discrimination. Everyone needs to understand what we stand for as a campus and that we will not tolerate actions that violate our commitment to a safe, equitable, inclusive, non-discriminatory and anti-racist campus."

"Today marks a pivotal moment for our campus, and as Chancellor Steinmetz says, 'We all have a role to play' to achieve excellence in all that we say and all that we do," said Yvette Murphy-Erby, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. "The Office for Diversity and Inclusion is excited to collaborate with partners and leaders across campus to lead our efforts in achieving transformative action."