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Santa Clara’s Commitment to Racial and Restorative Justice
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Antiracism means more than just 'not being racist,' but actively addressing racial bias and dismantling policies and practices that lead to racial inequities and ruptured relationships in our community. In their place, we strive to adopt practices and policies that promote equity and deeper understanding in our community. Being antiracist is an ongoing process of discernment and praxis, requiring honest reflection on who we are and who we want to be. We see antiracism as integrally connected with Santa Clara’s mission as a Jesuit university and our goal of creating a more welcoming community marked by genuine inclusion, hospitality and belonging.

Advancing Racial Justice Dashboard

 

Events nationally and on campus in the summer of 2020 raised important questions and needed discussions about racial equity and justice. We have heard your calls for action, transparency and accountability. This work is a top priority for us, and we are taking actions across our campus and at all levels of the University to advance racial justice. 

Our new Advancing Racial Justice dashboard tracks progress on new and previously established Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. This is part of our commitment to transformative change, collaboration and transparency. We will continue to add details and data to document our work across campus, show accountability and track what still needs to be done.  

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Previous and Ongoing Campus Initiatives

Santa Clara has created this Advancing Racial Justice dashboard to track the antiracism and diversity-building measures planned, underway, or completed in five areas of our campus: Teaching, Learning, and Research; Leadership and Governance; Student Experience; Faculty/Staff Engagement; and Alumni and Community Engagement.

The audit of Campus Safety Services was conducted by Judge LaDoris H. Cordell (Ret.) for the purpose of making recommendations concerning the manner in which CSS provides security for the University. The audit is an important action step as we—like many educational institutions across the country—examine our policies and practices through a broader lens of safety, equity, and belonging.

In May 2019, a 10-member Ohlone History Working Group was established to review the current markers and monuments that honor the history of the Ohlone people on campus; consult with Ohlone representatives about their views on the most appropriate ways to honor their ancestors; consult and review commemorations of Native Peoples at other California Missions; and draft recommendations. The Ohlone Report was completed in summer 2020.

In 2018, Santa Clara conducted a Campus Climate Study as a direct response to the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inclusion and the Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion. Ten priorities received careful attention and action in 2019.

The Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion (2017) was responsible for developing the Strategic Implementation Plan for the Recommendations of the SCU Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.

Blue Ribbon Commission on Diversity and Inclusion (2016) brought together campus representatives, alumni, and community leaders to develop strategies to help create the change we wish to see. Among other things, the Commission considered how to improve the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff of color and how to help the University become a more inclusive and diverse community for all populations.