Office of Diversity and Inclusion accepting registrations for fall Social Justice Institute, book club

Northwest Missouri State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is now accepting registrations for the next cohorts of its Social Justice Institute and its Bearcat Diversity Book Club.

The Social Justice Institute, which is open to all Northwest employees, is a six-week program designed to help participants engage in authentic dialogue about campus climate, inclusive pedagogy and learning about individual identity as it relates to power, privilege and oppression while analyzing how identity affects decision-making.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is accepting participants to comprise two cohorts of the Social Justice Institute, which will meet from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursdays and 2 to 4 p.m. on Fridays, beginning Thursday, Oct. 5. For more information and to register, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/diversity/social-justice-institution.htm.

Additionally, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion invites University employees to join its Bearcat Diversity Book Club, which is aimed at further educating participants about concepts and issues of racism.

The book club will read “The Inclusive Mindset: How to Cultivate Diversity in Your Everyday Life” by Justin Jones-Fosu. The book defines diversity and articulates what it is not while tackling controversial topics within the diversity, equity and inclusion arena in a manner that allows for deeper conversation and reflection. 

The Bearcat Diversity Book Club will begin meeting Monday, Oct. 9, and will continue at noon on Mondays and Tuesdays via Zoom. For more information and to register, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/diversity/book-club.htm.

“If employees understand the value of diversity, recognize unconscious biases and learn how to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, we can all work toward an equitable workplace for not only our employees but our students as well,” Dr. Shay Malone. Northwest’s assistant vice president of diversity and inclusion, said. “With the book club and Social Justice Institute, we aim to empower individuals to conceptualize the work of diversity, inclusion and social justice differently, to harness the power of diversity for innovation, creativity and better decision-making.”

Additionally, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion will host “Doughnuts with D and I” for Northwest employees from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, in the Student Engagement Center at the J.W. Jones Student Union. The event will provide attendees opportunity to meet staff, learn about the office’s mission and values, and provide input.

“The goal is to open our doors to the community, create a safe and open space for introduction to the D and I team, and where employees can share their experiences, insights and ideas related to diversity and inclusion,” Malone said.

For more information, contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at 660.562.1226 or
diversity@nwmissouri.edu.