Greetings students, faculty, staff, alumni, and stakeholders,
As you are aware, on June 25, 2020, Dean Patrick Bordnick formed the Race and Equity Task Force, and asked us, Dr. Reginald Parquet and Dr. Deidre Hayes, to co-chair it. We have been tasked with implementing the recommendations made by the “Difficult Conversations” workgroup who has been examining the complex issues of racism, power, privilege, and oppression within the School of Social Work and its curriculum.
To that end, our first step is to reach out to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community stakeholders to join the Task Force and support our efforts to create an anti-racist institution and make needed change at all levels of the Tulane School of Social Work. We wholeheartedly seek your participation and support in this endeavor. Please respond to this email if you wish to be a member of this Task Force.
Second, we have provided for your review the "Difficult Conversations" workgroup report that lists specific recommendations to address issues of diversity, inclusion, and equity at TSSW. The “Difficult Conversations” workgroup was composed of students, faculty, and alumni. We commend the workgroup for their thoughtful, strategic, and outstanding work. And, we will be working towards implementing their recommendations.
Third, we will be reaching out to the workgroup members, individually and collectively, to discuss their recommendations and gain further clarity relative to specific issues of concern. We plan to hold virtual meetings, and if needed, face-to-face meetings in accordance with Tulane University guidelines related to COVID-19. You will be made aware of when these meetings will take place.
Fourth, we will also review and integrate suggestions from the new student, faculty, staff, and alumni led Anti-racist Coalition.
Again, we are reaching out to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community stakeholders to join the Task Force and support our efforts.
Finally, we fully recognize and acknowledge the importance and enormity of this task. We also recognize and acknowledge that to effect long lasting systemic, structural, and institutional change at TSSW will require commitment, dedication, persistence, intentionality, and the WILL to make change happen. We look forward to the challenge of creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Tulane School of Social Work, and look forward to your assistance.
Sincerely,
Dr. Deidre Hayes and Dr. Reginald Parquet
