Summer 2022 Equity and Antiracism Cohort

Image shows the words: Summer 2022 Equity and Antiracism CohortLewis & Clark’s Office of Equity and Inclusion has contracted with an outside equity, inclusion, and antiracism facilitator for a six-session summer intensive antiracist workshop group for a cohort of 30 employees in June 2022.

“This workshop is for faculty and staff ready to engage with practical questions and examination of their own programs and work as well as their role in the larger institution,” Interim Dean of Equity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator Casey Bieberich said. “The 30-person cohort is part of a strategic approach to building capacity, skill, and confidence with bringing antiracist practice and an equity lens to work across our campuses.”

A small BIPOC-led group of Lewis & Clark staff is planning and leading the work in collaboration with the contractor. The contractor, Empress Rules, is local to the metro area and has experience with multiple organizations including Energy Trust, United Way, and Miami University. The workshop series will be an immersive and comprehensive experience, and participants are prepared to attend all six sessions. Given current employee needs and context this summer, all sessions will be conducted via Zoom.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion asked for nominations with an eye toward capacity-building across schools and departments. “This small cohort is only a start,” said Bieberich, “but we know that intentional space is vital to gaining practical experience in applying anti-oppressive frameworks to each of our roles here.” As the Office of Equity and Inclusion looks forward to welcoming the new Dean of Equity and Inclusion Danielle Torres in August, you can expect to hear more about future workshop offerings, events, and other ways to get involved. Future opportunities are in the works, so stay tuned to the Source this summer.