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.
A school-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.
Students
LS Student Council President - Sneha Sridhar
Chair of LS Student Diversity Advisory Committee - Kelly Bajuadji
Student Member - Ryan Carney
Student Member - Tolu Owolabi
Faculty
Representative from the Steering Committee - Juliana Roth
Representative from the Academic Planning Committee - Ifeona Fulani
At-Large Faculty Member - Cristina-Ioana Dragomir
At-Large Faculty Member - Azeta Kola
LS Global Inclusion Officer - Tamuira Reid, Ex Officio (Chair)
Staff
Academic Affairs Representative - Kevin Bonney
Academic Advising Representative - Briana Martin
Representative from Global Programs - Sentinela Threadgill
Representative from Student Affairs - Irene Kate Patron
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 Reid, Clinical Associate Professor in Liberal Studies, serves as the Liberal Studies Global Inclusion Officer for 2022-2023.
NYU offers many events, support organizations, reports, 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. A resource for both staff and faculty is information on Disability Inclusive Culture.