Commission on the Status of Minorities

Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion Commission

At Kutztown University, we value and appreciate the differences and unique aspects each individual brings to our campus community. The diverse perspectives, ideas, background and abilities of our faculty, staff and students, help to create an environment for which each member can grow and ultimately be more prepared to thrive in our ever-changing society. We strive tirelessly to be open to change, listen to those who find challenge in this space, and respond in a way that makes everyone feel valued.

Kutztown recognizes and supports the compelling need to expand the focus and framework in creating an inclusive environment that is just, celebrates our diverse backgrounds, and celebrates equal opportunity of all individuals in our community. We need to rededicate our commitment to these principles and strive to educate and enlighten so that all among us are working toward the same goals.

To meet these goals and objectives, President Hawkinson directed that a University Justice, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Strategic Plan be developed to guide the university in achieving Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan. To facilitate the drafting of the JEDI plan, Dr. Hawkinson, on October 8, 2020, commissioned the Kutztown University Commission on the Status of Minorities (CSM) whose mission includes:

Making recommendations regarding new policies, as well as changes to existing Kutztown University policies, programs, and/or procedures to support the creation of a culturally and psychologically “safe” environment in which the cultural, educational, and intellectual needs of students, staff, faculty, and administrators of color can be met and their experience at Kutztown enhanced.

to coordinate and develop the development of the JEDI plan. To facilitate the coordination and development of the JEDI plan, Dr. Hawkinson appointed additional members from across the University Community to be supplemental voting members to the CSM.

  • Executive Board

    Arthur Garrison, Chair

    Lindsey Livingston Runell, Vice Chair

    Jacqueline C. Fox, Esq., Secretary

    vacant, Treasurer

    Holly Tienken, At Large

  • Standing Members of CSM

    Arthur Garrison, Chair

    Lindsey Livingston Runell, Vice Chair

    Jacqueline C. Fox, Esq., Secretary (Social Equity Office Representative)

    Vacant (African American Professional Organization)

    Jennifer Jacobson (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Representative)

    Yuxia Qian (College of Visual & Performing Arts Representative)

    Holly Tienken (At-Large)

    Melinda Quinones (Multicultural Center Representative)

    Toyia Heyward (At-Large)

    Qian Hao (College of Business Representative)

    Decontee Togba (Student Representative from Black Student Organization)

    Alicia Thompson (Student Representative from Black Student Organization)

    Peyton Williams (Graduate Student Representative)

    Cody Hawley (Non-minority Student Government Organization Representative)

    Avery Simmon (Student Government Representative)

    Caecilia Holt (AFSCME Representative)

  • Appointed by the University President - Supplemental Members to CSM

    Christopher Weiler, Co-Chair, Institutional Climate Committee

    Tabetha Bernstein-Danis, Co-Chair, Institutional Climate Committee

    Yasoda Sharma, Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women

    Stephen Stoeffler, Chair, of the Commission on Human Diversity

    Christine Price, Director of the Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Center

    John Dillon, Director, Public Safety

    Donavan McCargo, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs

    Tom Stewart, President, APSCUF-KU

    Bernard McCree, Director of Financial Aid

    Steve Lem, President, Faculty Senate

    John Vafeas, Chair, of the University Curriculum Committee

    John Stanley, Chair, of the University General Education Committee

    Alex Ogeka, Executive Director, Kutztown Foundation

    Mary Neuenschwander, Director of Alumni Relations Kutztown University

    Jennifer Weidman, Director of Human Resources

    Jerry Schearer, Interim Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students, Chief Diversity Officer

To develop a unified and coherent Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) plan that addresses the following issues
  • Structural / Administrative Level

    1. Define in measurable terms what a diverse and inclusive campus environment means

    • Define – Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion – what do they mean at KU
    • Define – what would be a success under the JEDI Strategic Plan
    • Define – how success will be measured
    • Review the three objectives of Goal three of the Strategic plan
    • Assess the list of 100 initiatives currently in operation/implementation

    2. Develop a strategy to unify and organize the planning of various diversity programs and initiatives currently at KU in order to determine needs to foster diversity and inclusion across the campus

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion

    3. Develop a strategy to increase number of faculty and staff of color and other marginalized groups on campus

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion

    4. Develop policies that require JEDI language be placed in all open positions on campus that establish minimum and required skills and or experience that must be certified before applicants can be invited for interviews and can be hired.

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion
  • Staff Level

    5. Develop a strategy that includes measurable objectives for administrative departments that affect the social and academic environment of the university

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion

    6. Develop a plan to integrate student body knowledge of student clubs and organization activities to increase student access and participation in academic and social diversity and recreational experiences

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion
  • Educational Level

    7. Determine what changes to General Education requirements would foster and increase diversity and education for students at KU

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion

    8. Develop a plan to supplement student retention with the measurable goal of increasing black and Hispanic student retention

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion
  • Staff / Faculty Student Engagement Level

    9. Develop a plan that within the CBA that allows the service requirement to be satisfied by working with students or other groups that support the goals of diversity and/or retention of black and Hispanic students

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
      • When – define and set date for expected completion

    10. Develop policies in which staff employment/performance evaluations encourage and reward interaction and support and advising of student organizations

    • Who – name department responsible for achieving this objective
    • How – define what is required to be done & what is needed for success
    • When – define and set date for expected completion
Research and Other Documents
Timeline and Strategy
  • Timeline

    Preliminary Report – End of Fall 2021

    Final Report – End of Spring 2022

  • Strategy

    Stage One: Data Collection

    Stage Two: Define in measurable terms what Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion mean at KU

    Stage Three: Committee members divided to address issues and JEDI goals

    Stage Four: Writing a preliminary plan

    Stage Five: Review KU community reviews and comments

    Stage Six: Draft final plan

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