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A task force of faculty and administrators from Washington University in St. Louis has commenced efforts with legal counsel to create guidance for leaders, staff, and students. Appointed by Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, the Inclusive Excellence Advisory Committee (IEAC) will provide suggestions to university leadership on how WashU can fulfill its community-oriented objectives in support of its students, faculty, and staff while adhering to federal regulations and laws.
“At WashU, our strongest asset is our community. We embody a multitude of cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, encompassing a broad range of political viewpoints. This diversity is our strength. This is what defines us as WashU,” Martin remarked when the committee was launched in May. “This initiative is focused on supporting our students, faculty, and staff. The efforts of this committee will enhance our effectiveness in fostering and nurturing the type of community we strive to become, where everyone feels welcome, included, and appreciated.”
Anchored in the mission, vision, and objectives of the university, the IEAC is tasked with collaborating with the Office of the General Counsel to:
- Create clear guidance for leaders, faculty, staff, and students regarding activities and programming that promote inclusive excellence rooted in current applicable laws as outlined in statutes, regulations, and case law;
- Identify outstanding programs and initiatives that support the attainment of inclusive excellence, both at WashU and beyond;
- Provide suggestions for a sustainable process to review all programs and activities, ensuring compliance with civil rights statutes.
The IEAC is co-chaired by Eva Aagaard, MD, vice chancellor and senior associate dean of education and the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Professor of Medical Education; and Sean Armstrong, dean of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies. In addition to Aagaard and Armstrong, the committee includes:
- Dennis Barbour, MD, PhD, professor of biomedical engineering, McKelvey Engineering
- Apryle Gladney, vice chancellor and chief human resources officer
- Nicole Hudson, assistant vice chancellor, education and engagement
- John Inazu, the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion, WashU Law
- Mark Kamimura-Jimenez, associate vice chancellor for student affairs
- Ryan Lindsay, professor of practice, Brown School
- Steven Malter, professor, practice of management and entrepreneurship, Olin Business School
- Will Ross, MD, MPH, associate dean for diversity, Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine, WashU Medicine
- Ellen Rostand, assistant vice chancellor, university initiatives
- Kara Wilson, senior director of advancement organizational development
- Sherree Wilson, associate vice chancellor and associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion, WashU Medicine
“We acknowledge that many faculty, staff, and students possess significant experience and knowledge in this realm, and that the IEAC is but a fraction of those who could contribute meaningfully to these initiatives,” Aagaard stated. “We are also aware that numerous individuals in our community have raised concerns regarding these matters following the introduction of executive orders and modifications in grant award guidance. The committee’s size is deliberate, aiming to move swiftly to address some of those concerns by producing a working draft of guidance and examples by early fall. Nevertheless, we are dedicated to engaging the broader WashU community and are open to receiving feedback as this work progresses.”
The group started convening earlier this month and is currently exploring examples of programs and activities within their respective divisions to aid in forming core principles that align decision-making with the university’s mission.
“Ultimately, our aspiration, shared by the chancellor and university leadership, is to ensure that our university remains a place where everyone who works, learns, and trains here feels included and empowered to reach their fullest potential,” Armstrong remarked. “It is only in such an environment that we can attain the excellence we seek in education, research, and patient care, missions vital for the benefit of our local community, the nation, and the globe.”
Members of the WashU community are invited to provide feedback to the IEAC via email at [email protected].
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