Antioch Seattle
Our Work
Race and Equity Center
The Diversity Council has played an important role in developing the Anti-racism Framework and Value Statement and monitoring its progress. The Council has been instrumental in bringing about change in several areas, such as launching AUS Diversity Goals (2021), Standing in Solidarity with AUS BSU for Anti-Racism Commitment Plan (2020), Co-sponsoring Anti-racism Workshops Series for all AUS Community (2021/22), Co-developed Anti-racism Accountability Framework and Council Roadmap (2022), and launching the Campus Climate Reporting System (2023); see DC Road Map (Timeline).
Diversity Council members are asked to incorporate their understanding of anti-racist, intersectional, and equitable diversity-related concerns within their programs and departments to inform the work of the Council.
Race & Equity Center Spotlights
We work with many groups to further this important and necessary equity and social justice work. Learn more about these initiatives and how to become more involved.
Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF)
The Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF), established by Antioch University Chancellor William Groves in July 2020, was convened in response to national movements focused on systemic racism and white supremacy in the United States and beyond and to expand on Antioch’s firmly established mission of social justice in a way that intentionally reinforces the university as an anti-racist academic institution. We actively work with the ARTF to strengthen our campus and foster development in our university and the communities in which we are a part.
Antioch University 2023- 24 Climate Survey
Antioch University is committed to creating an environment characterized by openness, fairness, and equal access for all students, staff, and faculty. January 2023, Antioch University initiated the process to conduct a climate assessment. Chancellor Bill Groves shared that the intent was to create an opportunity ‘to make positive, lasting changes and to help create a more inclusive university.’ Antioch contracted with Rankin Climate to help lead this effort. In addition, a committee of students, staff, and faculty from AU campuses was appointed to develop and implement the survey.
The AU Climate Survey was administered from October – November 2023. The results were analyzed and shared in Town Halls in March 2024 with the Antioch University Community. Learn more – Climate Survey Report Presentation.
What are the next steps? Dr. Stephanie Helms Pickett, Vice Chancellor, Equity, Belonging and Culture, Pia Alexander, Co-chair, Antiracism Task Force, and Chancellor Bill Groves, indicated that there will be opportunities to participate in contributing ideas, as well as providing feedback, on how to address concerns raised in the survey.
Events
Our campus is actively involved in this very important work. Below, you will find some events highlighting and continuing our journey of becoming an anti-racist, intersectional, and equitable campus.
Social Justice Symposium
In February of 2023, faculty and students from Antioch University Seattle and Antioch University New England collaborated to present the 2nd Annual Antioch University Social Justice Symposium. The theme of the symposium was “Liberation from Colonialism Now: Promoting Research Activism.”
Student Success Symposium
During this two-day virtual symposium, members of the Antioch community deepened our understanding of student success as it relates to equity and inclusion. Sessions focused on a wide range of topics…
LatinX Mental Health and Social Justice Symposium
Each year, the Latinx Mental Health & Social Justice Institute organizes this event around Indigenous People’s Day, National Coming Out Day, and Hispanic Heritage Month
Get Involved
Each month, the AUS Diversity Council newsletter highlights work being done by the administration, faculty, and students in support of our anti-racism and social justice mission. We provide information on special days in the month and community events where you can learn more or contribute.
We welcome members to submit content about the efforts of you and your colleagues, personal reflections, and notable days you would like us to include. Joining our Diversity Council is a great way to participate in the AUS community. The Diversity Council enhances our institution’s capacity to develop and implement effective diversity, equity, antiracism, and justice work across the campus.