President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: Introducing Reed’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Website
May 25, 2021
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
When I speak of Reed’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), one of the most commonly asked questions is, “What is Reed doing to live up to this commitment?” As an institution, we recognize that the work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism must take place across all areas of the college, and we recognize that this work is never finished. I write today to introduce you to Reed's DEI website, a living document and resource that centralizes and highlights the work being done on campus.
I am acutely aware that this announcement comes one year after George Floyd’s death. Last summer, in the wake of his murder and the subsequent worldwide protests, we recommitted ourselves to interrogating and reforming our institutional structures, policies, and practices to mitigate the harmful effects of racism in our community. It was a promise and a call to action and vigilance.
It takes more than promises to codify anti-racism and inclusion as community practices. Through the DEI website, we can track our progress as we move toward creating a truly inclusive community. It is a way to hold ourselves and one another accountable for creating a community where all students, faculty, and staff are able to live, learn, and work as freely as possible from the pernicious effects of systemic racism and other forms of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization.
As Mary James, Dean for Institutional Diversity and A.A. Knowlton Professor of Physics, often reminds us, “Diversity is a fact. Equity is a goal. Inclusion is a practice.” I hope you will check the website to gauge Reed’s progress and possibly find inspiration. The section on resources lists the on-campus groups that are working to advance diversity and inclusion as well as the resources they provide.
I have tremendous respect for those of you who are centering diversity, equity, and inclusion in your practices. We all must share in this work. I am deeply grateful for the advances Reed has made in these areas, and I am committed to sustaining our progress.
All my best,
Audrey
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Audrey Bilger
President