BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Bowling Green State University and its Division of Diversity and Belonging has announced plans to create an inclusive and diverse campus and community.
"For me, in the diversity and inclusion work that I do, it's really important that we recognize that we have to tackle issues of diversity and inclusion head-on," said BGSU's Chief Diversity and Belonging Officer, Jennifer McCary.
McCary's department, created in 2019, has rolled out a what's called a Diversity and Belonging Comprehensive Strategic Plan.
It's the first time the university has done this for diversity and inclusion.
McCary says we're at a critical time in our nation so it's important they're not just talking about it, they're taking action.
"This spring, the council started to work on that plan and so it was the entire spring semester and we were always planning to have it done by May and it was just perfect timing to finish it up in May and release it in June," said McCary.
With this plan, they're able to specifically address diversity and belonging on BGSU's campus and she says it starts with definitions and terminology.
"That's something that we want people taking about. It's when we talk about diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging, what do we mean? We want people to start there because it's about the education and development that has to take place," she said.
In the plan, they are also highlighting accountability, new programming for diversity, and ways to change the campus climate with both staff and students.
The strategic plan is in place for three years and McCary says they have monthly progress check-ins. More information on the Division of Diversity and Belonging is available here.