Embedded Files
Building community together, through empathy and empowerment.
One of William & Mary's core values is belonging: "We create a welcoming and caring community that embraces diverse people and perspectives." While steps have been made to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, we believe there should be greater efforts to make long strides in order to effect lasting change. We must create support and uplift students of marginalized communities. We must create a culture of acceptance, cultural competence, and advocacy. Our administration will listen with open ears and open hearts to ensure the protection and empowerment of all communities.
Implement mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training for all Recognized Student Organizations
Implement mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training for all Recognized Student Organizations
Overview & Background
The Boojala-Goodman Administration have successfully advocated for DEI training modules for student use. We believe that in order to equip all student leaders with the skills and resources through to facilitate an inclusive environment, these modules should be made mandatory for all Recognized Student Organizations requesting funding from SA.
Mission & Action Items
We would continue to support efforts made by the current SA administration to implement this policy as soon as possible. While understanding that the deadline to apply for quarter 1 (August-October) funding is May, our administration would allow organizations flexibility to complete the training modules--as long as they are completed by the time of disbursement.
Develop a comprehensive plan to implement the Academic Diversity Project
Develop a comprehensive plan to implement the Academic Diversity Project
Overview & Background
The Academic Diversity Project (ADP) is a subcommittee within The Plan to Tackle Systemic Racial Injustice at W&M and is managed by Student Assembly's Department of Academic Affairs. The purpose of ADP is to develop: suggestions and implementation; strategies for structural changes to W&M Academia including implicit bias training for new and current faculty, diversified, curriculums; and increase student representation on hiring boards. We believe that the action items listed below can help further the mission and purpose of ADP.
Implementation & Action Items
Our administration will work to accomplish the following:
Use collected survey information regarding diversity climate from the student body and distribute/present to stakeholder groups (Committee on Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Faculty of Arts & Sciences)
Work with Committee on Diversity Equity and Inclusion in giving presentations to department chairs and program directors on diversity initiatives to get faculty feedback
Encourage departments to add a question to end of semester faculty/department surveys about how students felt issues related to diversity were treated/handled in the classroom, including micro-aggressions, racism, sexism, etc.
Ensure bias incident reporting is working effectively by implementing regular roundtables with administering partners to relevant review data and reports
Securing permanent financial support for the Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Student ID Fund
Overview & Background
In 2020, Student Assembly passed "The Pride in ID Appearance Act" allocating $805 from SA reserves to allow students to receive an updated ID accurately allowing with their identity and/or physical appearance. Though funds are still available for this initiative from the initial bill, we believe that this program should become an item in the yearly SA budget so it is not dependent on future iterations of a bill. During the next full-budgetary quarter, our administration will ensure that this initiative is given a permanent status.
Advocating for the creation of a First-Generation, Low-Income staff position in Student Affairs
Overview & Background
Currently, First-Generation, Low-Income (FGLI) initiatives are generally organized by an advisory board comprised by various offices, the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement & Leadership concurrently responsible for the administration for FGLI programs, and a staff advisor for the FGLI Student Organization. We believe that in order to fully support and solidify lasting support for this unique student populations, William & Mary should create a full-time staff position within Student Affairs.
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Advocate for all gender bathrooms in all buildings and residence halls at William & Mary
Advocate for all gender bathrooms in all buildings and residence halls at William & Mary
Overview & Background
It is crucial for the university to ensure all gender restrooms in every building at William & Mary in order to create a safe and inclusive environment for members of our community regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or gender expression.
Implementation & Action Items
Our administration will work with the Center for Student Diversity, Facilities Management, Residence Life, and other relevant stakeholders to construct all gender restrooms for all campus buildings. Residence halls without all gender restrooms include: Camm, Dawson, Giles, Harrison, Madison, Page, Pleasants, and Sith.
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