President's Report 2020-2021 | Page 7

& INCLUSION

DEI Milestones at GMercyU In the past year , progress has been made across many facets of the University .
• A DEI Trainers Group , consisting of four faculty and four staff members , has held eight “ Was it something I said ?” trainings for our members of our community .
• In collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement , 51 student leaders completed a “ Weaving Equity ” program , with a new student cohort set to follow suit this year .
• In April , GMercyU raised the progressive pride flag for the first time ever in celebration of LGBTQ + Week .
• In partnership with the Office for Student Engagement , GMercyU ’ s CORE programming created the GMercyU Anti-Racism in Action website and a # StopAsianHate Toolkit . CORE provides resources and the opportunity for students to discuss topical social justice issues .
• The MercyTalk series returned last year , focused on a theme of embracing diversity , equity and inclusion .
• Ten all-gender restrooms were designated in buildings around campus .
• New DEI-related policies , including the Chosen Name Policy for those who wish to be known by something other than their legal name , has been created . Related , GMercyU ’ s IT department added the ability for our community ’ s Zoom users to change their names and add their pronouns .
• GMercyU ’ s nascent Community Resource Groups build community among our faculty and staff and raise awareness and understanding of issues affecting traditionally minoritzed groups and their allies .
• In collaboration with Campus Ministry , a common prayer space for the community was created in the Visitation House and a calendar of various religious holidays was created , with intentions to spread awareness of GMercyU ’ s Religious Holiday Policy .
“ The last year has resulted in some great collaborations and key steps forward ,” said Diaz . “ But this is only the beginning of our journey . This kind of work is ever-evolving and deserves our dedicated attention , nurturing , and support . We ’ ve laid the foundation , and I ’ m confident that our community will continue to do the work that allows us to fully and truly live our Mercy mission as it relates to DEI .”
Learn more about our University-wide initiatives at gmercy . edu / dei .
Progressive pride flag raising event
New common prayer space in Visitation House
PRESIDENT ’ S REPORT 5