UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Through Monday, Dec. 21, the President’s Select Commission on Racism, Bias, and Community Safety is accepting applications from students, staff and faculty to participate in subcommittees. Anyone who previously expressed interest in serving on the Select Commission is encouraged to complete an application.
In June, and as a part of a comprehensive commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, University President Eric Barron announced the formation of a Select Commission to examine the deployment of University resources to address the profound social issues related to racism and bias that are pervasive in our nation, and specifically at Penn State.
As a part of the work of the President's Select Commission on Racism, Bias, and Community Safety, subcommittees are being formed in support of some preliminary recommendations.
There are opportunities to serve on one of three subcommittees:
— The DEI infrastructure inventory subcommittee will assemble an inventory of the positions, initiatives, and structures at Penn State that are committed to advancing inclusion, equity and diversity.
— The Truth and Reconciliation Process subcommittee will identify Penn State expertise, locate models, articulate challenges, and create goals for an institutional "Truth and Reconciliation Process."
— The Anti-Racism Institute subcommittee will identify the landscape of such centers, evaluate potential models, and make recommendations based on prioritized goals and outcomes. A potential institute at Penn State would support anti-racist scholarship in a comprehensive way (i.e., inclusive of research, teaching, community action, and practice) to address structural barriers to full access and inclusion.
Students and employees who are interested in contributing may complete an application form.
The subcommittees will be team-led by multiple members of the Select Commission on Racism, Bias, and Community Safety, and will meet on average twice per month. Each subcommittee will create evidence-informed recommendations that align with and support the work of the Select Commission to date.
Questions may be directed to Sonia DeLuca Fernández, associate vice provost in the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity, at szd197@psu.edu.