the council for diversity and inclusion

The Council for Diversity and Inclusion was formed during the Fall of 2019 to align with and support Pierce@60, the University’s strategic plan.

Focusing on the key themes including inclusion and innovation, Pierce@60 will guide Franklin Pierce’s future, and build on the progress made with the previous plan, “Engage: Advancing and Sustaining Raven Nation”.

The conception of the Council for Diversity and Inclusion began with the work of Phebe Robinson ’05. During her time on staff, Phebe’s passion and commitment to the work of equity and inclusion formed the African American, Latino/a, Native American, Asian American Diversity Initiative (A.L.A.NA) program, and called on the University to strengthen and expand the values of multiculturalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. For years, A.L.A.NA has spearheaded programs that challenge injustice and exclusion while celebrating students’ efforts to advance social justice.

The Council seeks to be a discerning body able to further these goals and address issues pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all areas of the University. It is comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni and other constituents within our community. Notably, it also seeks to unite A.L.A.NA, the Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Club, Safe Spaces, Students of Faith, the Justice in Action Athletic Alliance (J.A.A.A) and other groups focused on race, diversity, gender identity, first-generation students, neuro-diversity, disability, and socio-economic challenges.

Within the framework of the Council, each group and initiative remain autonomous, but share in the opportunity for greater collaboration and support ‒ all while we work together to further the University’s Mission, Vision and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement.

Current priorities of the Council include:

Strategic Planning
The DEI Council, in partnership with the Chief Diversity Officer, develop a list of strategic priorities as they relate to Strategic Objective #2 of the Pierce@60 Strategic Plan. The Council will compile and review data from various sources including the Diversity Climate Survey, the Curriculum Audit, and information obtained through structured and unstructured meetings with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The DEI Strategic Plan will provide direction and oversight of diversity initiatives aimed at moving the university forward toward a more measurable, sustainable and effective culture of inclusion. 

Council Development & Structure
The Council, in order to adjudicate the Pierce@60 Strategic Objective #2, will develop a framework in which to effectively facilitate our strategy, community support and conversation affirming our commitment to the principals of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ongoing Community Conversations
The DEI Council will continue to offer, support, and lead virtual gatherings with the purpose of;

• Creating a space for community members to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences related to discrimination and bias incidents on and off campus;
• Encourage dialogue that fosters greater inclusivity throughout the University and among all Ravens; and
• Educate our community on diversity-related topics of social justice.

Training
The Council continues to meet with James T. McKim, Managing Partner of Organizational Ignition and the President of the Manchester branch of the NAACP, for ongoing train-the-trainer sessions in preparation of our implementation of the DEI Strategic Plan.

Diversity and Inclusion Council Members

To contact the Council of Diversity and Inclusion, please email us at diversity@franklinpierce.edu.

 

---