HU embraces diversity, equity and inclusion for positive change

In observance of Black History Month, we take a look at the various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives on campus toward our progress and our future.

It’s important to evolve as the world evolves. At Heidelberg University, diversity, equity and inclusion are becoming a way of life.

Heidelberg has a history of graduating successful alumni of underrepresented populations. As we see ourselves in the future, we have embraced the increasing need for greater awareness to uplift these populations, and the university has positioned itself to make strides across the board. 

Leading the way in creating an intentional, all-in strategy toward a culture “that will help address the barriers to recruitment, retention and graduation faced by students of marginalized identities” is Heidelberg’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC), formed three years ago.
 
It’s a work in progress, but progress is definitely taking place, according to Shaun Gunnell, director of Multicultural Student Affairs at Heidelberg.
 
“We don’t want our students to be just numbers. We want them to feel a sense of belonging,” says Gunnell. “We want all members of our community to feel a sense of belonging and participate actively in all of the aspects of campus life.”
 
To that end, Heidelberg has launched the DEIC and regularly offers initiatives and training around the theme, and support for a number of student organizations to support students on campus.
  
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
 
The committee’s charge is to recommend systemic strategies, programs and policies that promote a culture of diversity, equity and inclusivity. At its core, the committee “encourages Heidelberg to become more welcoming and more vibrant for all persons …” Members work to deepen the appreciation for diversity and promote multicultural awareness through intentional education, cultural and policy changes. Ultimately, the committee hopes to inspire long-lasting, positive change and a deeper appreciation and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion, in the spirit of the message and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
It’s a big job, and it can’t be accomplished by the 12 faculty and staff members who comprise the DEIC. Gunnell, who co-chairs the committee, sees the progress regularly.
 
“Heidelberg has made great strides,” he says. “While we have a long way to go, we are at a much better place than we were five years ago.”
 
He believes the committee’s efforts and focus have made a difference. “I find myself quite often talking to different coworkers and departments, and people are asking, ‘What can I do to help?’ They’re thinking about diversity, equity and inclusion when planning events.
 
“The response has been great.”
 
The DEIC’s signature event is Martin Luther King Jr. Day ON! Instead of a paid holiday off, the campus community, for the past three years, has turned its attention to a day of service. This year’s theme was “Community.” The DEIC offered a number of opportunities to reflect and serve, including a compelling keynote address by ‘Berg alumnus and Trustee Claudie Johnson about economic equality, workshops, a town hall gathering, service opportunities and a theatre experience.
  
In addition, Heidelberg has offered a number of opportunities, including training on bias and systemic racism, the annual Juneteenth celebration and LGBTQ+ Spirit Day. The latter was an initiative to bring awareness to suicides within the LBGTQ community. Students wore purple T-shirts and signed a pledge to stand against violence against the LGBTQ community.
 
“It was a powerful display of unity,” Gunnell says.
 
DEI Scholarship
 
Currently in its second year, Heidelberg’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion scholarship for students in marginalized or underrepresented populations. The scholarship, Gunnell says, “reinforces Heidelberg’s promise to provide access to a phenomenal education to all students.”
 
“We want to remove barriers that may prohibit these students from furthering their education.”
 
Students really seem to appreciate the opportunity for an additional scholarship. “It allows them to feel comfortable and wanted,” he adds. The scholarship is available to students based on diversity of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.

Organizations for support

Nearly all Heidelberg students participate in at least one student organization. Around the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion theme, there are a number of organizations designed to provide meeting and social space, programming to promote individual cultures and simply to make connections.

On campus, Heidelberg hosts Berg Latinx Unidos, Berg Allies (promoting LGBTQ+ rights and activism), Black Student Union, and World Student Union, among many other student organizations.
 
Toward progress
 
The problems related to diversity, equity and inclusion didn’t happen overnight, so it’s important that we continue to change and adapt as the world changes.
 
“Change is slow,” Gunnell says. “But a bunch of small steps equal big change.”
 
It’s happening in large and small ways across campus, and all in an effort to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.
 
“People really are starting to get on board and change the way they think,” he concluded. “That’s the goal. Some things will never end, but together, we can make them better.”