Standing at the Vanguard

Header photo by Elijah Nouvelage via Getty Images

Agnes Scott on the Leading Edge of Tackling Racial and Social Injustice

—By Jennifer Jiles

In late spring, as the world grappled with the intensifying COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing issue of systemic racism, referred to by many as the second virus impacting the U.S., came to the forefront. The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd ignited global Black Lives Matter protests, reinvigorating the focus on racebased social justice. College students across the country became a part of the movement. While some higher education institutions may have wondered how to develop a coordinated effort to respond to this urgent drive for change with sensitivity and leadership, Agnes Scott College already knew the way forward. Even before these important events unfolded, Agnes Scott was immersed in social change.

“The renewed focus on racial justice as a pressing social challenge highlighted the importance of this work for many, but it is not new for Agnes Scott College,” says Yves-Rose Porcena, vice president for equity and inclusion. “We have been addressing racial inequities for a long time.”

Agnes Scott’s mission of “engaging in the intellectual and social challenges of our times” has long guided the college’s commitment to addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion and to shaping socially conscious leaders.

More than a mission statement, the college’s approach to liberal arts education has always been solidly grounded in a commitment to the principles of social justice. The centerpiece of this commitment is the Gay Johnson McDougall Center for Global Diversity and Inclusion, which creates and hosts programs and events focused on inclusive excellence at Agnes Scott. These programs and events have brought significant recognition to the college, and Agnes Scott’s reputation for advancing equality and justice led the Association of American Colleges & Universities to select it as one of only 24 colleges in the nation to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation campus center.

As the pandemic lay bare the racial, social and economic inequities affecting communities throughout the U.S., the college quickly put systems in place for critical support and discussions. And when cries for racial justice seared the consciousness of many Americans following the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day, the center worked with members of the campus community to create two series in the wake of these national events: the COVID-19 podcasts highlighting the social inequalities of the global pandemic and the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Courageous Conversations on racism and hate.

Porcena created the platform for the Agnes Scott community to learn from each other and advance the movement after seeing the significant work in which many people were already involved. “I wanted to provide a model and highlight the work of those who have been doing racial justice work way before it was trending,” she says.

Yves-Rose Porcena, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Janelle S. Peifer, assistant professor of psychology, participated in the “COVID-19 Social Inequities Impact on Mental Health” panel and spoke on the deepening and perpetuating inequities in the U.S. In addition to the meaningful dialogue on the topic, Peifer says the panel served as an opportunity to offer attendees some concrete steps for radical self-care amid the ongoing trauma of the pandemic and how to filter and moderate media consumption. She applauds the center for its “active, engaged, timely work,” noting, “To create this webinar series in the midst of a crisis communicates the priorities from the college and our strategic directions that make us an innovative space to teach, work and learn.”

“As the most innovative institution for three years in a row, Agnes Scott must stand at the vanguard of envisioning the world ahead. We truly believe that education can catalyze important change and help correct historic ills for the betterment and flourishing of all people,” she adds. “At this juncture, it’s vital that Agnes Scott stand as a leader to address systemic inequities, particularly anti-Black racism, that stymie our unity and progress as a nation and a global community.”

Zoie Moore ’21, an Africana studies major who moderated the "Preparing to Rebound from the Pandemic: Economic, Workplace and Legal Implications" panel, says she appreciates the interdisciplinary nature of the series’ topics and panelists.

She says, “It is a reminder of how interconnected the world is and the power of a liberal arts approach. I learned how everyone has a role and uniqueness they bring to the table. COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of life, and it’s important to hear leaders and those who specialize in those diverse areas coming together for solutions.”

“The podcasts are providing so much more than knowledge sharing but also a safe space to learn, grow and communicate with diverse peers,” Moore says. “As a person of color, I think this series is more evidence of the college expanding its diversity and inclusion efforts.”

Moore represents the impressive growth in enrollment of students of color at Agnes Scott — 63 percent as of 2020. The growing diversity of students adds another layer of importance to addressing racial justice for the college. Many alumnae, including Brandi CollinsDexter ’02, share their alma mater’s commitment to social justice, which is why she was an eager participant in the “Tackling Social Injustice: Strategies for Action” panel.

“I think it’s very important for colleges to support conversations like this because you want to know that your institution is working toward solutions that we can all be a part of to achieve positive forward motion,” says Collins-Dexter. “There are campuses where these types of conversations are being shut down or discouraged, and to see Agnes Scott promote an open dialogue about racial and social injustice assures me it is incentivizing the kind of strong next-generation leadership we need.”

Collins-Dexter, currently a visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, earned a degree in history from Agnes Scott. She says her time at the college helped shape her political and personal outlook, and as a panelist, she emphasized that fights for justice are happening everywhere and people can make a difference right where they are in whatever job or role they have in society.

In addition to the COVID-19 podcasts and webinars, the Gay Johnson McDougall Center for Global Diversity and Inclusion is also presenting workshops, providing training on racial sensitivity topics weekly and working with student organizations to coordinate diversity and LGBTQ awareness events. Porcena assures the campus community that plans are firmly underway to offer robust racial justice programming and initiatives well into spring 2021 and as part of the center’s ongoing work.