Office of Diversity and Inclusion Newsblog

Los Angeles, 1963

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Mural in Hispanic neighboorhood.

I was born in Los Angeles, and in 1963 I experienced the greatest moment of my childhood when the Dodgers won the World Series in a four game sweep over the New York Yankees. The city was euphoric. Little did I know at the time that this joy was built on the pain of a once-vibrant Latinx community. Chavez Ravine would be the eventual site of Dodger Stadium. Through eminent domain and other coercive means, most of the ravine’s residents were dislocated for a housing project that eventually stalled. The land was later conveyed to the Dodgers in 1958. As a result, the authorities forcibly removed families from the homes built by their grandparents.

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Diversity Council Reorganization Will Enhance DEIS Communication

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Michigan Tech's campus from across the Keweenaw Waterway.

To strengthen Michigan Technological University’s communication on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging (DEIS), the University’s Diversity Council has been given a new charge. Effective fall 2021, the Diversity Council will serve as a communication hub between the leaders of colleges/major administrative units and the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion (VPDI). This charge was developed with the purpose of coordinating policies and issues that impact goals related to DEIS at Michigan Tech.

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Why do we Celebrate Pride Month?

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Van Pelt and Opie Library in spring.

June is recognized as Pride Month—and with the increased visibility of the rainbow flag as a sign of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) pride, it’s hard to miss. But why do we celebrate Pride in June and what’s it all about? What is Stonewall?

In 1969, The Stonewall Inn was a popular New York City gay bar. Regulars included trans women of color, gay men, queer homeless youth, lesbians, professionals, students, and folks in drag. It was an eclectic and exciting environment for drinking, dancing, and socializing. 

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DEIS Alumni Advisory Board Announced

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Alumni house at Michigan Tech.
The Alumni House at Michigan Tech.

Michigan Technological University is proud to announce the launch of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sense of Belonging (DEIS) Alumni Advisory Board in fall 2021. A testament to the University’s continued commitment to enhancing and improving the sense of belonging for all at Michigan Tech, this initiative is the next step in giving our campus community the culturally-responsive resources to succeed.

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What is Juneteenth?

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The summer season in the US includes several holidays celebrated widely across the nation—Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. But do you observe Juneteenth? Have you heard of this day, short for June 19?

Current American history textbooks proclaim Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the end of slavery. Truth be told, slavery remained relatively unaffected in many places, most prominently in Texas. It was status quo for slaves well beyond the Proclamation date—they carried on with their lives of bondage and subjugation oblivious to the fact they were legally free. It was nearly two and a half years later, on June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War had ended, slavery was abolished, and enslaved people were now free.

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Student DEIS Commission to be Launched

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Sun rising between two buildings on Michigan Tech's campus.

Michigan Technological University is committed to enhancing and improving the sense of belonging for all students, and a newly created commission of students aims to reinforce these efforts. With facilitation from the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion (VPDI) and the Dean of Students (DOS), the Student Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sense of Belonging (DEIS) Commission is set to launch at the beginning of the fall 2021 semester. This initiative will provide an open space for student leaders to engage with and address ongoing issues pertaining to the campus climate and the needs of diverse communities on campus. Specifically, the Student DEIS Commission will provide the opportunity and space for students to:

  • Advance and elevate student DEIS concerns and initiatives
  • Facilitate open discussion and champion progress toward an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for all members of the campus community
  • Engage with University leadership to voice priorities and the pulse of the student body related to DEIS matters
  • Collaborate with other campus organizations, offices, and students, faculty, and staff to further a sense of belonging among all people at Michigan Tech.
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Telemental Health in Support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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Blurred people walking across Michigan Tech's campus in summer.

Beginning in the fall 2021 semester, the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being (CSMHW) will begin offering telemental health services through Morneau Shepell, a well-respected leader among providers of mental health services to college students. Morneau Shepell’s MySSP (Student Support Program) will help Michigan Tech meet the needs of all students and address significant issues that have prevented students from obtaining these services in the past.

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Leaning Into Discomfort: How to Dialogue Through Difference

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Diverse groups of people sitting at tables outside and having conversations.

by Wayne Gersie, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion

Talking about certain social issues is something many find intimidating. These topics are touchy. They invite strong opinions and can involve debate and contention. Often individuals feel they don’t know enough to weigh in or worry they won’t articulate themselves clearly. But most often, what holds us back is simply fear of saying something wrong.

To move forward in a quest for equity and justice for all, we cannot avoid discussions around race, sexual orientation, class and the like. Fears over unintended offense and acceptable terminology should not prevent us from having these tough conversations. It’s better to stumble through these interactions than to not have them at all. Fear of saying the wrong thing, whatever the motive, is a roadblock to progress. Some things are difficult to say and hear, but they need to be said and heard for that very reason. The only way to confront issues such as sexism, racism, and ableism is to talk more openly about them.

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Michigan Tech Stands in Solidarity with Asian and Asian American Communities

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by Rick Koubek, President

On Thursday afternoon the State of Michigan House and Senate passed resolutions “to condemn hate crimes, hateful rhetoric, and hateful acts against Asians and Asian Americans and to encourage Michiganders to report hate crimes to the proper authorities.”

I had the opportunity to speak with leaders of our Asian student community this week to express my support. I also want to reiterate to all members of the Michigan Tech community that we are resolute in our commitment to provide a safe and welcoming space where everyone can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging.

As Michigan Tech community members, it is our collective responsibility to take action in establishing this safe and welcoming community by intervening in and reporting instances of hate and discrimination.

Sincerely,

Rick Koubek

President

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Meet Wayne Gersie,Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion

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Hi everyone, my name is Wayne Gersie. I’m the new Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion here at Michigan Tech University. I’m excited to be a part of your community, and I’m looking forward to having conversations with you about diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging. Since I have been here, I have had the opportunity to move around and interact with many of you and get a really great sense of what it’s like to be a member of this community. Your stories have made me better understand what it means to live and work at Michigan Tech. You shared what you love about the community—but also some of the challenges you’ve experienced in your time here. I know we have work to do.

While I certainly acknowledge that we’ve had some challenges this past semester, I’m encouraged by the conversations I have had with many of you in the short time I’ve been here. One of the first initiatives my office is focusing on is a 120-day action plan developed by the newly formed President’s Council Task Force for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I’ve heard many of you ask for action. I hear you. And this Task Force and its 120-day plan are a great first step.

With the support of President Koubek and the President’s Council, we will identify and develop solutions that can provide an immediate benefit to both the community’s employees and its students. Speaking broadly, this team will develop a constructive dialogue from which actionable items will be drawn. It will be hard work, but I’m confident that we’ll be able to do it.

Our website, mtu.edu/diversity-inclusion, will serve as a hub for information about our office and our initiatives. It will also serve as a place where you can see the notes, progress and goals the Task Force develops throughout these critical next couple of months.

In the meantime, if you have questions, suggestions, or just want to talk, please reach out to our office.

Thank you for helping create a Michigan Tech where everyone feels welcome. Together, we are better.

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