Updates from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence

"Get in good trouble, necessary trouble" - John Lewis 

When we started our work in the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusive Excellence five years ago, we made it our goal to make DEI everyone’s work, and so many of our campus partners have really stepped up.  We are grateful for all of you who have attended our Good Trouble Conversations and other events, have served on DEI-related councils and work groups, and have supported our students through Regis Gives Day.  We see you, and we appreciate you.  

On March 24, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence partnered with Athletics and Women’s Gender and Studies Program to host an in-person Good Trouble Conversations event. Kate Whalen, the associate athletic director, dived into how this important landmark law opened the doors for women’s sports. The hosting departments were excited to see 82 students in attendance and how engaged they were in the dialogue that followed the presentation. Students asked questions, shared opinions, and their thoughts and continued the conversation well into the reception that followed, making for an engaging evening for all. 

Looking ahead, we are excited for our Fall 2022 Good Trouble Conversations. We will begin in September with an examination of the history and legacy of U.S. Indigenous Boarding Schools, including those run by the Catholic Church. Our guests will include Garrett Briggs, Indigenous Archaeologist and Historic Preservation Advocate. In his role as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Southern Ute Tribe, Briggs pressured the State of Colorado to investigate the Teller Indian School, near Grand Junction. At least 20 children are believed to have been buried in a mass grave at the site. We will learn about the work of Teller Institute Task Force, which is working with tribes to investigate the property and its history and to decide what happens once the children’s bodies are found.   

In addition, by September, we anticipate the release of the federal government’s Indian Boarding School Initiative Report. We will discuss its findings, as well as our responsibility as a Jesuit Institution in repairing the harm by such policies and walking with the excluded.  

See you all in the fall. Please reach out with any questions, comments, suggestions. Email: diverse@regis.edu