Message from WIU President Guiyou Huang: DEI Update

University News

Message from WIU President Guiyou Huang: DEI Update

February 23, 2022

Dear University Community,

As the spring semester is underway, I would like to take this moment to share an update regarding the University's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In December 2021, I shared an update regarding the work that is taking place on the demands set forth by the WIU Black Student Association, anti-racism training, and more.

Last month, I again met with the Black Student Association (BSA) leaders to further discuss the demands response and action items, and to continue to keep our students informed, as well as an active part of the process. The updated report is now available at wiu.edu/vpss (left sidebar) so our entire University community can learn more about the updates and actions taking place.

As I shared in the December 2021 letter, an Anti-Racism Task Force has been established and I've finalized the task force membership. Thank you to our faculty, staff, and students who provided names and nominations for this critical task force, and to those who have accepted the nomination, I greatly appreciate your willingness to be a part of this noteworthy initiative. I will announce the composition of the task force in the near future. This is a historical moment for WIU.

In addition, I will bring the proposal for the establishment of an Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to the Board of Trustees at their March meeting. As this is a new office, with a new position to lead the office, board approval must be obtained. Once this initiative has Board approval, we will begin the search process for a director. My plan is to have this office up and running later this summer or by early fall at the latest.

Our students have also asked where they can report incidents of racial discrimination, hate, and harassment. We have many offices on campus that can, and will help, including the Office of Public Safety, Equal Opportunity and Access, the University Counseling Center, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and soon, the new Office of DEI. Members of our University community can also fill out a harassment/discrimination/sexual misconduct form at equal_opportunity_and_access/report.php, or can email titleix@wiu.edu.

I look forward to our continued work on DEI efforts, and I will continue to keep our University apprised of our efforts and progress. I am excited about the future of Western Illinois University. Thank you for your continued dedication and support.

Sincerely,

Guiyou Huang, Ph.D.
President
Western Illinois University