Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Kas Williams has been named Misericordia University's Associate Vice President for Mission Integration and Institutional Diversity, announced Amy Lahart, Vice President for Mission Integration and Student Life. Williams joined the Misericordia University community in September following seven years at South Dakota State University, where she recently held the position of Chief Diversity Officer. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from South Dakota State University.

"This position is critical to advance Misericordia University’s desire to live out its mission through vision and strategy implementation of significant diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Ms. Williams will collaborate with division directors, campus leaders, students, faculty, staff, and external constituencies to embed the critical concerns into all campus operations and provide leadership to cultivate pride in our Mercy heritage as a Mercy institution of higher education," said Lahart.

"To me, this role looks at the quality of life that people have in and around the campus community. We can tell people all the time that we're diverse but are we inclusive? This isn't my quote, but I say it all the time: 'diversity is inviting people to the dance, but inclusion is inviting people to dance'," said Williams.

"I've told the folks here that they are all passionate about diversity and inclusion because they love the institution. There's great energy around here and I'm excited to be here. It's a great place and eight years from now I'll be saying the same thing: the values of this institution are what keeps people here. That's the energy that folks have. They love the hospitality. They love the social justice. They work towards that every day," she continued.  

Williams has spent her first month on campus getting to know the campus community, speaking with individual students, student groups, under-represented student groups, as well as staff and faculty. She's delved into the most recent campus climate survey. "I read every word and every line of the campus survey. Lots of folks here are doing great work in diversity, but the work isn't always connected. Their hearts are in the right place; they see the gaps and they want to do the work. I want to really change the conversation and make sure we are all speaking the same language of diversity and inclusion on this campus," said Williams.

Williams looks at diversity, inclusion, and access through what she calls an equity lens. She encourages each department to look at their policies and procedures at least every six months using that equity lens. "Are some policies inadvertently affecting some communities or populations? I tell people, don't change your policies now, just think about it. What happens is, once they start thinking about it, that becomes an everyday practice and becomes natural. Equity and inclusion doesn't take anything away; they add to who and what we are as an institution," she said

In partnership between the Dean of Students office, Institutional Research, and Multicultural and Inclusion Initiatives, the first campus climate survey on diversity and inclusion was conducted in the spring of 2019. The survey instrument, developed by the Higher Education Data Sharing (HEDS) Consortium, was administered to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students as well as full-time faculty and staff.

Among the key significant findings:

• Response rate consisted of 20% students and 60% employees (762 respondents total)
• Undergraduate students (as well as faculty, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals) reported having more positive views about the campus climate for diversity and equity compared to similar institutions who also participated in the HEDS survey.
• People of color (students and employees) reported lower satisfaction with the overall campus climate than respondents who identify as White.
• People of color, individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who identify with faith traditions other than Catholic/Christian are less satisfied about the campus experience/environment regarding diversity at the institution than their identity counterparts.
• Similarly, people of color, individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who identify with faith traditions other than Catholic/Christian feel a lower sense of belonging or community at the institution than those who identify as White, heterosexual, and Catholic/Christian.
• 27% of respondents of color and 23% of respondents who identify as LGBTQ+ reported they have been discriminated against or harassed.
• Of the 762 respondents to the survey, 10% reported that they had experienced discrimination or harassment at the institution within the past year.
• Over 50 respondents indicated they did not report the discrimination or harassment they experienced to campus officials

When asked about strategies and practices the respondents would like to see addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion, respondents indicated education programming consisting of cultural events, workshops/training, and dialogues as well as the recruitment of more diverse faculty, staff, and students. Other suggestions included more curriculum offerings focused on inclusion and social justice in addition to further support for lower-income students and affinity groups for students, faculty, and staff.

The Dean of Students office, Institutional Research, and Multicultural and Inclusion Initiatives are committed to administering the survey every two years in order to assess the institution’s progress on its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Ally Education Program at Misericordia University provides training and resources to the campus community about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning issues. In addition to sexuality and gender, the Ally Education Program also covers issues of race, socioeconomic status and class, religion, disability, and other underrepresented identities. The program aims to build a strong network of allies to further create safe and inclusive spaces across campus. A welcoming ally network that celebrates diversity makes the Misericordia community a safer and happier place for everyone.

WHAT IS AN ALLY?
An “ally” is a term used to describe someone who is supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. It encompasses non-LGBTQ+ allies as well as those within the LGBTQ+ community who support each other, e.g. a lesbian who is an ally to the bisexual community. Because Misericordia’s Ally Training extends further than LGBTQ+ topics, an ally also describes someone who is supportive of all underrepresented identities and actively creates spaces of inclusion.

GOALS:

• Be a listener.
• Be open-minded.
• Be willing to talk and engage in dialogue.
• Continue to educate yourself and others.
• Don't assume anyone’s identities. Encourage them to tell their story when they’re comfortable.
• Challenge friends, family, and community members when you find their comments offensive or biased.
• Confront your own prejudices and bias, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
• Defend your underrepresented populations against discrimination.
• Believe that all people should be treated with dignity and respect.

PROUD ALLY STICKERS
Misericordia University community members who have completed a formal Ally Education Training have pledged to create an accepting environment for all community members regardless of identity.

Proud Ally stickers can be found on doors of faculty, staff, and students that have completed the training. Ally Education Training is offered every semester for faculty, staff, and students.

Previously known as the Annual Diversity Student Camp, this multi-day experience empowers area youth (10th-12th grades) to recognize the strengths associated with diverse identities and how these strengths translate into leadership. Recognizing that ethnic, cultural, racial, religious, and other prejudice exists in our society, students who participate in the MAP are committed to dismantling these negative truths and discussing ways to create inclusive spaces for all. Students participating in the program will acquire college preparation resources and skills while appreciating the diverse backgrounds they come from. Additionally, students will acquire a greater perspective of Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) and the history of Misericordia University. Please check back for more information on when the MAP is being offered.

Goals:

1. Explore and identify personal values and beliefs
2. Identify goals and potential barriers for success
3. Analyze social identities and what it means to be diverse
4. Identify personal leadership style and the impact their leadership has in groups, schools, and the community
5. Analyze factors that impact their community and the changes they can promote
6. Identify the values of Misericordia and campus resources