Managing Differences

Quadrant 2

What we're doing:

• Developing an environment of belonging and a structure to help integrate inclusion campus-wide through piloting Employee Resource Groups
• Establishing and delivering a scalable, diversity, equity, and inclusion training program for all College employees, rooted in self-exploration, cross-cultural communication, intra- and inter group relationships, and restorative practices skill-building
• Hosting a fall "Welcome Back Multicultural Reception" designed to help facilitate community for marginalized identities as they navigate Grinnell College 
• Developing an appointed Black Student Union (BSU) position and regularizing meetings with the BSU leadership to have a real-time understanding of the climate for Black students and what can be done to improve conditions and outcomes consistently
• Empowering the disability community at Grinnell College by expanding the campus view of normality and success through the piloting of a Disability Cultural Center
• Developing and engaging existing intentional communities relating to intercultural life, and exploring opportunities for other intentional communities with necessary partners
• Collaboratively creating opportunities to explore identity in place and cross-cultural learning, including building networks across the state to facilitate sharing, and developing opportunities outside of Grinnell for students
• Participating as a member of the BIPOC+ Coalition, a collaboration with other Iowa schools (Central, William Penn, Drake, Grand View, and Simspon) designed to create opportunities for students and employees of these institutions to collaborate and discuss the impacts of institutional racism