Anti-Racism Task Force
A diverse group of 37 faculty, students, and staff developed actionable items to increase awareness and understanding about racism and to bring about changes in policies, practices, and culture and thereby promote our shared values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
From mid-June through late-August 2020, the Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF), chaired by Prof. Tandy Warnow, met every week with subgroups having their own additional meetings. The unique format enabled significant participation of students and staff while also bringing in diverse perspectives. Through readings and studying best practices at Illinois and other institutions, ARTF focused on nine areas: Students, Staff, Faculty, Ally Training, Climate Survey, Community & Public Engagement, Data, Engaging with Campus, and Inclusive Classroom. ARTF identified key concerns and provided productive proactive suggestions for how the College, its departments and units, and its constituents can help to combat racism in its final report.
As an immediate action item, ARTF is encouraging students, staff, and faculty to learn more about the issues by:
- Reading the final report,
- Watching the recorded Anti-Racism Seminar Series videos,
- Reviewing selected anti-racism resources,
- Joining the IDEA Institute, and/or
- Signing up to help on one of the implementation teams.
Anti-Racism Guidelines
ARTF also developed new anti-racism guidelines to promote inclusive learning environments and is encouraging instructors to incorporate them into their course syllabi.