Update on External Consultants for Community Equity

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you know, over the summer months a subgroup of the Presidential Advisory Group for Community & Equity conducted a search for external consultants who will be tasked with identifying structural and systemic barriers that prevent BIPOC students and students from other marginalized groups from experiencing a sense of belonging and full participation at Emerson. I am pleased to share that the subgroup, in consultation with the President’s Council, has chosen Beyond Racial Equity for this critically important work.

Beyond Racial Equity is supported by a team of consultants with specific expertise in areas of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and equity in higher education. During September and October, they will coordinate with internal community members and key stakeholders to conduct an analysis and review of materials including strategic planning documents, climate surveys, published statements from student organizations, and College policies and communications related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will engage the Emerson community through focus groups in the first half of November, and additional activities including strategic action planning sessions and the launch of an interactive decision-making platform also will be conducted. It is expected that Beyond Racial Equity’s final findings report and recommendations will be submitted in early March. 

At the College, Beyond Racial Equity will be supported by Ruthanne Madsen, Vice President for Enrollment and interim supervisor of the Social Justice Center; Alayne Fiore, Director of Operations for the Social Justice Center; and Jae Williams, Director of Special Projects for the Social Justice Center. Please contact communityequity@emerson.edu if you have any questions regarding Beyond Racial Equity’s scope of work. 

As stated on our Community Equity Action Plan website, dismantling systemic oppression, including racism, ableism, and other forms of power-based and identity-based harm, is a College-wide commitment that requires College-wide action. 

I am confident that our new partnership with Beyond Racial Equity will continue to advance the College’s commitments to equity and belonging for all individuals and community members. Updates from Beyond Racial Equity will be shared throughout the process.

Sincerely,
William P. Gilligan, Ed.D.
Interim President, Professor Emeritus