Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

TCU has received the INSIGHT Into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, which recognizes institutions of higher education that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, for the fourth year in a row. This award acknowledges significant work and commitment to efforts in the DEI space.

The Race and Reconciliation Initiative held its first virtual town hall meeting hosted by Dr. Frederick Gooding Jr., chair of the Race & Reconciliation Initiative and associate professor of African American Studies in the John V. Roach Honors College. The town hall set the stage for a deep academic exploration of TCU’s history that will allow us to define and address an equitable future. A recording of the Town Hall is available to watch.

Also recently announced is TCU’s membership in a worldwide movement, the Universities Studying Slavery Consortium, which provides resources and shared research in support of active understanding and healing for our community. TCU is the second university in Texas to join the consortium.

Inspired by the “End Racism Now” mural painted on the Main Street of downtown Fort Worth in June, TCU student Kellton Hollins approached Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. on July 4 with the idea to create something similar on the TCU campus. Within hours, his request was approved. After further discussions with campus leaders and planning, the sidewalk in front of Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena, known to most TCU fans as “Frog Alley,” was selected as the mural site, with the goal of completing the project before the fall semester begins.

The university recently established an Office of Institutional Equity to help achieve its strategic DEI priorities. The director of this office will work closely with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This enhancement and additional resourcing, combined with campus coordination and partnership, help advance TCU’s ability to support positive cultural change for our campus.

Our Office of Diversity and Inclusion, under Aisha Torrey-Sawyer’s leadership, continues to shape the strategy for systemic change at TCU. Efforts include initiating new mandatory diversity training for students, faculty and staff, and the Human Resources/Office of Diversity and Inclusion R.I.S.E. Certificate Program, designed to provide participants tools and learning opportunities to advance personal and professional development in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion has also partnered with Human Resources to provide selection committee training required for all search committee members. The training sessions focus on diversifying the applicant pools, eliminating biases, and missteps in the selection process.

Over the course of the summer, the TCU Alumni Association, under the leadership of National Alumni Board President Tracy Williams, offered a variety of ways for its members to be engaged in meaningful DEI work. As a result, an Alumni DEI Committee, open to all alumni, was established to expand its programming and will focus on the following topics: action, advocacy, education and awareness.

Formed under the leadership of Intercollegiate Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati in June, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Athletics Council is a place for discussion of current racial issues and nationwide tensions in society and to collaborate on the best path in serving TCU student-athletes, coaches and staff. The Council will also be entrusted to develop strategies and meaningful programming that will have a positive impact on the athletics department.

The Office of Inclusiveness and Intercultural Services has dedicated space on the second floor of Jarvis Hall in the center of TCU’s campus, where staff provides resources and counsels and mentors students.

In addition, a newly designated space has been identified on campus, and a student committee will be involved in the design and use of that space in Brown-Lupton University Union. Renovation planned for earlier this year was delayed due to the pandemic.

TCU receives thoughtful and valid input on a variety of subjects from our dedicated community, and we take each one seriously. The Chancellor and senior administrators meet directly with student groups to better understand the opportunities ahead of us.