‘Excellent Progress’ from FSC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council

A message from Florida Southern's Chief Diversity Officer

August 21, 2020

“Florida Southern College’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council saw ‘excellent progress’ in its efforts to engage the campus leadership and community,” said Council Chair Evett Simmons.

The Council held its fourth meeting in the past seven weeks on August 19 and discussed:

• A presentation from FSC’s Multicultural Coordinator Lauren Outler about the reporting process for racial bias and harassment on campus.
• An update about the status of creating a Black Student Union; the College is awaiting an official application, which is expected to be filed shortly, so that it can approve the group.
• Online diversity and inclusion training programs for students, faculty, and staff. Programs will be ready early in the fall semester.
• An overview of the College’s opening plans for the fall semester, including the decisions to prioritize the health of students on campus and in the community by reducing on-campus housing to about 50 percent capacity.

Additionally, each of the seven Committees (Athletics, Chaplain’s Office/Religious Life, Curriculum, Enrollment Management, Faculty and Staff Diversity, Safety and Student Services, and Student Life) reported about their meetings and progress since their last reports on July 25. Interim written reports are expected from the committees by the end of the month.

“I commend the Council members for the excellent progress we’re making in meeting our important mission,” said Simmons, who is also a College Trustee. “With the semester starting in less than two weeks, I’m excited to move into the next phase of our work: engaging our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

An online survey seeking feedback from students, faculty, and staff is scheduled to be sent the week of Sept. 7.

The Council’s next meeting will be scheduled soon.