Equality at WVU is better, but there is still work to be done, says VP Mesha Poore
MORGANTOWN — Meshea Poore, West Virginia University’s vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said during her 2020 State of Diversity address Thursday that progress has been made, but more needs to be done.
“The work around diversity, equity and inclusion is just as much to do about the small steps taken as it is about the small steps taken as it is about the huge victories and every bit of it should be respected as part of the movement toward justice and equality,” she said. “But we each have to do our part and commit to do more.”
During her Zoom talk, Poore acknowledged the “action-oriented” working groups started by university President Gordon Gee are coming forward with recommendations for change. Gee formed these groups in response to a June petition signed by more than 800 faculty, students and staff demanding change for WVU’s Black Community with nine specific demands including mandatory diversity and anti-racism training, developing Black student leadership, diversity of faculty and staff.
Initial recommendations from the working groups include a toolkit to help faculty better understand diversity and inclusivity; online community resources on issues of free speech, counter speech and civil engagement; better support of the WVU Social Action Clinic and use “personal growth groups” model to develop mentoring opportunities for Black students.
Other recommendations include starting a recruitment plan for Black students, as well as the exploration of partnerships with high schools as a path to WVU.
And lastly, the creation of the WVU Public Safety Oversight and Engagement Committee. The group’s mission would be to provide transparency, vision, guidance and oversight of public safety services to the university.
“In looking at WVU’s diversity demographics we have been holding steady,” Poore said. “As it relates to faculty recruitment, we see a slight uptick in hiring and our retention remained steady. However, in all candor, these numbers need to improve significantly. It is something we can and must do to make sure diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of our institution. We must acknowledge when progress has been made, but not rest in our celebration because there is work to do.”
Poore encouraged people to find their place at the university by staying committed and continuing the ongoing dialogue.
“We have to trust the climb.”
Poore also said the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been working more than a year to develop equity, diversity and inclusion committees at each of the university’s schools, colleges and units. Chairs of each of these committees will be part of a council whose mission will be to develop goals and best practices for pursuing diversity and inclusion at WVU.
Tweet @41Suzanne
