DIVERSITY MATTERS
JULY – AUGUST 2018
INSIDE THIS ISSUE LGBT Pride Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Belz Museum Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Women's Equality Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Value of Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Religious Holidays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Community Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chancellor's Exempt Staff Award. . . 4 Photo by Ludovic Bertron
New Team Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fall DCP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Thomas Lichterman Award. . . . . . . . . . 5
OFFICE OF EQUITY AND DIVERSITY TEAM uthsc.edu/oed/staff Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP Assistant Vice Chancellor
Olivia Ralph, JD Sr. Compliance Consultant
Lauren Rotonda, JD, MBA Sr. Inclusion Strategist
Sophia Mosher, MPA Sr. Administrative Specialist
Tasha Clark, MHA Sr. Administrative Specialist
Stephanie Rozier Administrative Specialist I
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/ Section 504/ADA/ADEA/V institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.
UTHSC CELEBRATES LGBT PRIDE MONTH Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. The Stonewall riots were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States, the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day,” but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the “day” soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. The Office of Equity and Diversity kicked off its Pride celebration with Pizza and Pride, a pizza party and screening of a documentary film, called Kumu Hina, that tells the story of Hina Wong-Kalu, a transgender native Hawaiian teacher and cultural icon who embodies Hawaii’s long-held embrace of māhū – those born "in the middle," who embrace both male and female spirit. Additionally, OED facilitated a book study of John Browne’s The Glass Closet: Why Coming Out is Good Business. This was the first book to be featured in OED’s Diversity and Inclusion Book Club, with more information on future titles forthcoming. Part memoir, part social critique, The Glass Closet makes the business case for corporate cultures in which employees are encouraged to come out at work, and offers support and inspiration for employees who worry that doing so may undermine their chances for professional success. Adapted from loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about 1
DIVERSITY MATTERS
JULY – AUGUST 2018
BELZ MUSEUM OF ASIAN AND JUDAIC ART TOUR To celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Office of Equity and Diversity sponsored a trip to the Belz Museum of Asian Judaic Art for faculty, staff, and students. The tour explored various popular art forms that were created during the Qing Dynasty and introduced participants to the folklore and symbolism of China. Following the tour, participants were treated to an “Emperor’s lunch” in the museum’s Dynasty Room.
WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY “At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York. The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities.” nwhp.org/resources/commemorations/womens-equality-day 2
DIVERSITY MATTERS
JULY – AUGUST 2018
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
DR. ALSTON SERVES AS GUEST SPEAKER:
THE VALUE OF EDUCATION On Saturday, June 19, Michael Alston, EdD, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Equity and Diversity & Title IX Coordinator, served as a guest speaker at the Nu Epsilon Sigma Thomas Arnold Scholarship Banquet. Sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., the banquet took place at the UT Martin Ripley Center.
July 9:
Martyrdom of the Bab * – Baha'i
July 11:
St. Benedict Day – Catholic Christian
July 13-15: Obon (Ulambana) ** – Buddhist – Shinto
The fraternity asked Dr. Alston to speak about The Value of Education to students, parents, fraternity members and other invited guests. Dr. Alston’s presentation was personalized by his experience growing up in a small town with limited knowledge and resources to prepare for college. He noted that while his parents had limited education, they always encouraged him to “get his lesson.” Alston further suggested that persons with education and influence should continue to encourage college attendance and investment in educational opportunities. His statement that parents who are eager to purchase cars for adolescents should be just as eager to purchase a college education. The return on the college investment will likely be seen for many years to come! Phi Beta Sigma representatives presented Dr. Alston with a plaque in recognition of his years of service in higher education.
July 15:
St. Vladimir the Great Day – Orthodox Christian
July 22:
Tish'a B'av * – Jewish
July 24:
Pioneer Day – Mormon Christian
July 25:
St. James the Great Day - Christian
July 27:
Asalha Puja Day ** – Buddhist
August 1: Lammas – Christian
Fast in Honor of Holy Mother of Jesus – Orthodox Christian
August 2: Lughnassad – Imbolc * – Wicca/Pagan, Northern and Southern Hemispheres August 6: Transfiguration of the Lord – Orthodox Christian August 15: Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary – Catholic Christian
Dormition of the Theotokos – Orthodox Christian
Aug. 22-25: Eid al Adha * – Islam August 29: Beheading of St. John the Baptist – Christian
Dr. Alston’s participation in this external opportunity is the first of many programs addressing OED’s strategic community outreach goals for the fall.
Raksha Bandhan ** – Hindu
* Holy days usually begin at sundown the day before this date. ** Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.
COMMUNITY EVENTS NUMBER: PRESENTS ART OF THE SOUTH 2018
DELTA FAIR & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Crosstown Arts Gallery | July 27 – Sept. 2 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Agricenter International | Aug. 31 – Sept. 9
The fifth annual Art of the South exhibition, presented by Number:, features works by artists from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington DC. Juried by Brian Jobe of Locate Arts. For more information, please visit crosstownarts.org/calendar/number-presents-art-of-the-south-2018
A fair and music festival that's exciting, interactive and educational. It strives to bring Delta communities together with safe, wholesome family entertainment while celebrating and promoting the rich art, music and history of the Delta. For more information, please visit deltafest.com
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DIVERSITY MATTERS
JULY – AUGUST 2018
OED WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS STEPHANIE ROZIER Administrative Specialist I Stephanie Rozier is the Administrative Specialist I for the Office of Equity and Diversity. She joined UTHSC in June 2018. Previously, Stephanie worked as an Access Liaison for a pharmacy benefit manager corporation. As Administrative Specialist I, Stephanie performs a variety of administrative support for OED. These duties include scheduling calendar items and meetings, maintaining records, and supervising the training room and multipurpose room.
2018 CHANCELLOR’S EXEMPT STAFF AWARD
Stephanie is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, but grew up in the Dallas area.
The Office of Equity and Diversity, in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Office and the Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award Selection Committee, presents the 2018 Annual Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award. The Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award evolved during the UT Family Campaign in 2007 by Drs. Michael and Chandra Alston, co-chairs for non-exempt staff and non-faculty exempt staff groups. This award was created to recognize one deserving non-faculty exempt employee who has demonstrated outstanding service and/or who has made a significant contribution to the university community beyond the normally expected duties for his/her position. The winner will be announced and presented with a plaque and a $1,500.00 award during the December award ceremony. The winner’s picture will be displayed on OED’s website.
TASHA CLARK, MHA Sr. Administrative Specialist, Compliance Assurance Tasha Clark is the Senior Administrative Specialist for Compliance Assurance in the Office of Equity and Diversity. She joined UTHSC in June 2018. Previously, she worked in human resources.
NOMINATION PERIOD: Sept. 1 – Oct. 1, 2018 – The Chancellor’s Exempt Staff Award nominations should be submitted no later than October 1, 2018, by 5:00 p.m. Each nomination must be supported by a minimum of three (3) nominators, including the contact person. The contact person is encouraged to elicit a maximum of three (3) letters of support from individuals/sources who can speak to the nominee’s candidacy for this award. The nominee’s manager/ supervisor must be included as either a nominator or a signatory on a letter of support.
As Sr. Administrative Specialist, Tasha assures compliance with Title VI and Title IX through programming, data collection, and reporting. Tasha also assists with investigations and supports diversity programs and trainings. Tasha is from Arkansas. She attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she received a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Arts degree. She earned her Master of Healthcare Administration from Kaplan University.
The nomination form and all information related to this award can be found on the OED website. uthsc.edu/oed/exemptstaff.php 4
DIVERSITY MATTERS
JULY – AUGUST 2018
FALL 2018 DIVERSITY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM The Office of Equity and Diversity is excited to announce its third session of the Diversity Certificate Program (DCP). Increasingly, diversity and inclusion are becoming strategic business drivers that have a direct impact on organizational effectiveness and reputation. Investing in diversity and inclusion is paramount to improving employee engagement, serving students more effectively, increasing institutional innovation, and preparing more knowledgeable health care professionals. Participants in the DCP will explore their own background, identities, and values, develop critical competencies relevant to a wide variety of disciplines, deepen their understanding of historical and institutionalized policies that continue to impact inequities for diverse and marginalized populations, and learn tools for decreasing bias and supporting a more inclusive climate for underrepresented minorities at UTHSC. The program will demonstrate that embracing diversity and inclusion can bring a broader range of perspectives and backgrounds into our organization, leading to more effective decision-making. Participants will gain a sound understanding of the latest research and best practices in the fields of cultural competency and diversity. OED will begin accepting applications on Monday, July 30, 2018. The application period will close August 17, 2018, and courses will begin on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. For more information, please visit uthsc.edu/oed/diversity-certificateprogram.php, or contact Sophia Mosher at smosher2@uthsc.edu, or 901.448.2442.
THOMAS LICHTERMAN “EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR” AWARD NOMINATIONS OPEN JULY 23RD July 23, – August 17, 2018 is the 32nd annual Thomas C. Lichterman “Employee of the Year” Award nomination period. Each year, non-exempt employees with at least 3 years of service can be nominated for the Lichterman award by a supervisor, co-worker or other UT or UCH employee. Nominees should possess qualities such as dedication, hard-work and a positive attitude. If you know of any UT or UCH employees that meet these standards of service, please nominate them! To nominate an employee during the nomination period, visit the nomination webpage: uthsc. edu/lichterman-award/nomination.php. UTHSC People Search can also be used to nominate UTHSC employees for the Lichterman Award until August 17, 2018. To submit a
For more information, please contact: Office of Equity and Diversity | 920 Madison Ave. | Suite 825 t 901.448.2112 | f 901.448.1120
uthsc.edu/oed 5
nomination, enter the name of the person that you wish to nominate in the people search box on the main page of the UTHSC website. A return search will display all persons with the name that you entered. Click on the appropriate person’s name. The next screen will provide detailed information on your proposed nominee. Click at the bottom of this page to proceed on the nomination. Next you will be asked to enter your NetID and password. Next you will press the “Submit Nomination” button. The next screen confirms your nomination. Learn more about Lichterman by viewing uthsc.edu/lichterman-award/namesake.php. For more information, contact Sophia Mosher at smosher2@uthsc.edu. Good luck to all nominees!