Division News & Statements
Winter newsletter released
March 01, 2017
The Division of Inclusion and Equity's Winter 2017 newsletter was distributed to faculty, staff, and students on March 1, 2017. The newsletter contains updates and feature stories related to equity, inclusion, and social justice at Grand Valley. Vice President Bernal's introduction letter from the newsletter is below. Read the full newsletter here.
A Message from Vice President Bernal:
Last month marked two years since I arrived in West Michigan to
serve as the Vice President for Inclusion and Equity at Grand Valley.
It was a big move for me -- a chance to advance equity, inclusion, and
social justice at an institution that was growing in these areas and
ripe to become a national model for equity and inclusion in higher
education. It also represented a chance for me to put down roots in a
new place, far from where I grew up in Texas and where I began my
career in California. Over the past two years, I have come to feel at
home in West Michigan and at Grand Valley.
I have been fortunate to have the support of so many great
partners at the university who have led this work far prior to my
arrival and who, together, work to advance inclusion, increase
accessibility, and ensure equity. The Division of Inclusion and Equity
has grown significantly over this period and has worked concertedly to
advance our strategic plan and Framework for Inclusion and Equity.
Most recently, the Kaufman Interfaith Institute joined the Division
of Inclusion and Equity. This move will allow the Institute to
continue its exceptional community work while also continuing to
develop a presence on our campus. Interfaith dialogue and
understanding, as well as religious tolerance, are more important than
ever in today’s world. The Division of Inclusion and Equity seeks to
embrace diversity in its fullest sense and to understand complex
intersecting social identities. Attention to religious and spiritual
identity is a natural part of this work.
The past two years, have of course, not been without challenges.
However, I remain confident that Grand Valley is well positioned to
address the challenges ahead and become a national model for equity,
inclusion, and social justice in higher education. We remain committed
to creating an environment where everyone can be their full authentic
selves, and where your Laker Effect -- our collective impact on the
community, West Michigan, the state, and beyond -- can be fully
realized by every single member of our community. I am optimistic
because I have colleagues, like President Haas and his cabinet, who
share this vision for GVSU and our community. Furthermore, I am
grateful for the team in Inclusion and Equity and partners across
campus who make this work possible. And, as I reflect on the past two
years, I also look forward with excitement about what the future holds
for Grand Valley and our community.
Sincerely yours,
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.
Vice President for Inclusion and Equity