Bridging Divides, Transforming Our World

Last quarter we observed Black History Month and Women’s History Month, paying tribute to visionaries who fought against institutional barriers leveled against them. Black Americans, women, and those from historically marginalized communities envisioned the possibility of change and access to a better life for themselves and others. Members of these communities made their dreams realities by challenging the status quo and taking significant collective action that resulted in societal changes such as voting rights for all U.S. citizens, enhanced workers’ rights, and improvements in education and other social and economic systems.

Observances across the campus continue in April, including National Autism Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control reported approximately one in 54 children in the U.S. get diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which can affect their ability to communicate or learn and can impact their health in other ways. Based on this data, it is not surprising that more than half of young adults with ASD do not enroll in higher education institutions in the two years following high school. Cal Lutheran, and faculty in the College, have been working to provide higher education access to this population over the last several years.

Regarding sexual assault, the Department of Justice and other programs and agencies that track rates of sexual violence show that every 73 seconds someone across the nation is sexually assaulted. College-age students, in particular, are at high risk for sexual violence. According to an Association of American Universities report, more than 26% of female and nearly 7% of male college undergraduates experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation. Amanda ElBassiouny, PhD, assistant professor of psychology, and Haco Hoang, PhD, professor of political science, were recently awarded a grant to examine and develop recommendations for implementing Title IX, especially in light of the new rules issued by the Department of Education. Their grant is part of a larger National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to the American Political Science Association (APSA) to address sexual misconduct in academia.

As these two topics have a strong impact on many college students, it is critical faculty, staff, and administration foster a healthy culture, one that raises awareness and reduces the risk of sexual assault, and works to develop programs that better accommodate students with ASD.   

The Beauty and Strength of Diversity

April is also Diversity Month. It is a time to recognize the splendid tapestry of cultures, languages, and other diverse elements our country and its inhabitants possess. In spite of the social and economic advances made since our nation’s founding, some still refuse to acknowledge the value of our differences and the power that results from them. Even as progress is made on campus, we have work to do on this front. We are charged to further develop a campus-wide vision and strategy to promote and sustain a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that reflects an inclusive process and leverages shared governance with special attention at the senior leadership level, resources dedicated to faculty of color, and benchmarks of progress as indicators of the campus climate.

Venerable poet, author, and civil rights leader Maya Angelou once pronounced, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Angelou understood the significance of diversity and the advantages it yields for everyone, especially in the workplace. Some benefits include:

• Increased productivity
• Bolstered creativity and problem-solving skills
• Stronger engagement
• A greater understanding of cultural sensitivities
• Reduced turnover

We can also apply these benefits to the classroom and other spaces in society. Here in the College, we remain committed to diversity in all its forms—including, yet not limited to race, ethnicity, language, nationality, religious beliefs, physical ability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. We respect all individuals and the vast array of experiences and perspectives they bring to the classroom and our workspaces.  

Our Vision in Practice

Our faculty and staff adhere to the College’s vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment focused on our students. This vision guides us in our daily actions in the College and the wider world.

On March 16, eight people were killed in three shootings that occurred in spas across metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia; six of those who died were of Asian descent, and seven were women. This violent act shocks and saddens us and reinforces the need to eradicate the racist and misogynist beliefs some continue to hold.   

Three days after this tragedy, Cal Lutheran faculty members gathered around the campus flagpole to support members of the Asian American Pacific Islander community and others experiencing hatred and bigotry. During this gathering led by Campus Ministry, we grieved with one another while reaffirming our commitment to fostering a diverse community.

Over the next few months, College faculty will read the following texts and meet to discuss our pedagogical strategies and systemic changes in higher education that can foster a more equitable, diverse learning environment.

• The Empowered University: Shared Leadership, Culture Change, and Academic Success

• We Want to Do More Than Survive - Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom

• Bandwidth Recovery - Helping Students Reclaim Cognitive Resources Lost to Poverty, Racism, and Social Marginalization

We’re also creating a more diverse community across our administrative leadership, faculty, and classes. The College continues to build on its coursework to give students a richer, more comprehensive understanding of various cultures and their traditions in an increasingly globalized world.

The university is currently searching for a Vice President of Diversity to oversee programs that promote a diverse, inclusive, and multicultural campus. This July, we welcome a new director of Ethnic and Race Studies and Associate Dean for Inclusion, Equity & Engagement, Lorena Muñoz, PhD. Dr. Muñoz comes to us from Mills College in Oakland, where she serves as associate professor of Ethnic Studies. As a first generation college student and community college graduate who grew up between San Diego and Baja California, Mexico, she will share her experiences and wisdom with students and colleagues at Cal Lutheran. This summer and fall, Dr. Muñoz will teach Introduction to Ethnic and Race Studies which offers students a beginner’s grasp of the roles these constructs play in our country.

Differences Matter

Coursework around the concepts of diversity, power, and privilege equips our students with the knowledge to become more responsible, thoughtful citizens in an ever-evolving global society, and it cultivates mutual respect, cultural awareness, and teamwork.

Diversity boosts the educational experience through the interchange of disparate ideas and perspectives. It also allows students to question their biases and preconceptions about individuals from different cultures who may hold divergent beliefs. Studies in diversity promote critical thinking and empower students to effectively interact with people from different backgrounds. Instead of viewing individuals from different backgrounds as “others” who don’t speak “our” language or follow “our beliefs,” students learn to understand, appreciate, honor, and respect diverse mindsets and cultures.

As academics in higher education, we have an obligation to educate students and our community about diversity and how it nurtures a more equitable and inclusive society. Through our continued studies and combined acts, we can transform society to the benefit of all.