ISU holds first DEI committee hearing

NORMAL, Ill. – The Alumni Association Board of Directors formed the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee to find opportunities to discuss and partner with the university to increase diversity, equality, and inclusion among students and alums.

The committee held a virtual event on Feb. 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. prompting questions and looking for discussion on various topics like the DEI efforts, previous audience knowledge on the topic and how members were involved with the DEI during their time on campus previously or currently.

“Trust the process,” said Matthew Rillie, a 2015 graduate on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, in regards to building DEI at ISU.

Attendees were welcome to critique and complement the work done by ISU in their efforts to create DEI. Alums had questions and concerns about safety, entries into DEI, and current spaces. The directors quickly responded with many educational perspectives.

Guests shared personal experiences with DEI on campus and how that shows up now. Board Member, Stan Shingles, emphasized that he “wants everyone to feel connected to our work.”

On March 30 at 6 p.m. the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Committee will host a virtual Redbird Table Talk: How Representation Matters.

The event will focus on representation in the workplace, community boards, and organizational matters, also how it can elevate the voices of underrepresented groups.