January–February Spotlight
The Rutgers University Libraries (RUL) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee welcomes you to the new DEI Spotlight page of The Agenda. This page provides news about the committee’s work, articles about DEI, listings of upcoming DEI training and events, DEI resources, and more.
Watch the DEI Committee’s State of the Libraries Presentation
DEI Committee 2.0
The DEI Committee 2.0 was formed in late 2021 and comprises staff and faculty representing all Rutgers campuses. The committee’s mission is to:
- respect and foster perspectives that reflect varying backgrounds, identities, roles, and their intersections;
- create and support structures and behaviors that encourage equity, fairness, and justice; and
- promote an environment of belonging, respect, opportunity, and empowerment.
Reporting to the Vice President for University Libraries and University Librarian and the Libraries Leadership Team, the committee serves as an advisory body to the Libraries in support of RUL and university core DEI values and university priorities. In the past year, the committee worked with the RUL Human Resources department to review hiring practices and create a more inclusive work environment. The committee meets bimonthly and is currently working on its next charge, which will be announced soon.
Read the DEI Committee’s February 2023 Meeting Minutes
Read the DEI Committee’s January 2023 Meeting Minutes
DEI Committee Members
DEI Training and Events
Participate in the following training and events to expand your DEI knowledge:
Equity Fundamentals
This workshop helps attendees understand key concepts and strategies for purposeful reflection and growth.
Dates:
Wednesday, March 8, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 19, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 17, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Save the Date
Join University Equity and Inclusion for their second annual Education as Disruption (EAD) Virtual Intensive on Friday, March 24, 2023. The EAD Intensive is an annual opportunity for Rutgers University staff, faculty, and students to gain the knowledge and skills required to support self-reflection and learning, foster positive relationships, and enable institutional transformation. Offerings change from Intensive to Intensive, but all content equips attendees to work toward inclusion in their learning and workplace environment. The 2023 Intensive provides attendees opportunities to learn about practicing generous listening and dialogue, expand awareness of inclusive space and place-making practices, and develop an expanded framework for understanding and repairing harm.
Additionally, you can request a customized workshop for your team here.
Please visit diversity.rutgers.edu for more details on universitywide diversity education offerings and resources that enable you to take action and work toward inclusion.
CLARA: A Tool for Navigating Contentious Conversations
This hour-long workshop unpacks the CLARA (calm, listen, affirm, respond, add) method of communication as a tool for engaging in difficult conversations respectfully.
Date: Tuesday, March 28, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Community Conversations
Community conversations focus on skill building around respectful dialogue, allowing Rutgers–New Brunswick faculty, students, staff, and postdocs to better engage with one another. Attendees will learn about the CLARA (center, listen, affirm, respond, add) system and then practice CLARA using case studies.
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Microinequities: Impact and Interventions
Participants will learn to identify and interrupt microaggressions and use microaffirmations to foster a safer and more inclusive community.
Date: Wednesday, April 5, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Babs Siperstein Seminar – Focus on Transgender Issues
Date: Monday, April 17, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Presenter: Jennifer Williams, Council Member, Trenton, NJ
Title: TBD
DEI Reads
Check out what the DEI Committee is currently reading:
- “Shaping Organizational Climates to Develop and Leverage Workforce Neurodiversity” (open access chapter of Neurodiversity in the Workplace)
DEI Resources
Explore these resources to learn more about DEI:
- Rutgers University Equity and Inclusion: diversity.rutgers.edu
- Rutgers University Equity and Inclusion Events: diversity.rutgers.edu/events
- Center for Diversity Education and Bias Prevention Workshops: nbdiversity.rutgers.edu/educational-workshops
- Racial Equity Institute: racialequityinstitute.org