The unique contribution Liberal Studies makes at NYU and beyond is our global, interdisciplinary, and engaged approach to learning. For us, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are not slogans or buzzwords. They are core elements of our philosophy of education, inseparable from our mission. And they are pillars of strength that support our learning community.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
A Liberal Studies-wide committee facilitates conversations and information sharing across and among the different areas of LS; identifies diversity, equity, and inclusion issues of importance to the LS community; makes recommendations to faculty committees and deans on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and reports periodically to the LS community.
A message from NYU Liberal Studies; the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee; and a coalition of staff of color:
Unequivocally, Black Lives Matter. Recognizing the role that institutions have to play in ending the structural racism that has plagued this country since its origins, we at Liberal Studies express solidarity with those who seek justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Nina Pop, and far too many other Black people, many who have gone unnamed, who have died at the hands of state violence, white supremacy, and complacency.
Each and every one of us is responsible for dismantling the power structures that oppress BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) around the world. As we in the Liberal Studies community take stock of our own practices to contribute to a more just and equitable world, we heed the experiences, teachings, and wisdom of the Black community.
We dare ourselves to move past comfort and have the courage to convert self-reflection into action.
2020–2021 Representatives
Students
LS Student Council President - Felicia Nara
Chair of LS Student Diversity Advisory Committee - Martha Chen
Representative from the LS Student Council - Emade Ekukole-Sone
Representative from the LS Student Council - coming soon
Faculty
Representative from the Steering Committee - Tamuira Reid
Representative from the Academic Planning Committee - Minu Tharoor
At-Large Faculty Member - Ifeona Fulani
At-Large Faculty Member - Pınar Kemerli (Chair)
Staff
Academic Affairs Representative - Kevin Bonney
Academic Advising Representative - Paul Brown (LS Global Inclusion Officer for 2020-2021)
Representative from Global Programs - Sentienla Threadgill
Representative from Student Affairs - Hannah Pingelton
Dean's Office Liaison - D Simmons Jendayi, Ex Officio
Institutional change and transformation is only possible when there is a commitment to inclusion, diversity, belonging, and equity at every level, in every school and in every department, across NYU’s campuses and global academic centers. The Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation (OGI) along with NYU leadership has hired or appointed inclusion officers—leaders in their respective fields who are charged with building related capacity. Dr. Tamuira Reis, Clinical Associate Professor in Liberal Studies, serves as the Liberal Studies Global Inclusion Officer for 2021-2022.
NYU offers many events, support organizations, facts and figures, services and resources to help faculty and staff members navigate issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at the University. Faculty resources include the Faculty Toolkit on Digital Inclusion, as well as information on Inclusive Curriculum Design and Assessment Practices, Inclusive Remote Classroom Practices and Trans Inclusive Practices in the Classroom. Staff resources include In-Person Sessions, Customized Facilitation, Toolkits and Executive Education.