In an email sent out Friday to the student body, USC President Harris Pastides announced several university-wide initiatives that will combat racial tension, instances of prejudice and deal with inclusiveness issues on campus.
Following Creed and Diversity Week during the week of Nov. 2, Pastides announced that Chief Diversity Officer John Dozier will work on an initiative to deal with issues of race called the South Carolina Collaborative on Race and Reconciliation. Pastides also announced Dozier and Provost Joan Gabel will be looking to incorporate more diversity and inclusion on campus through a Social Justice graduation with Leadership Distinction pathway.
Additionally, Pastides announced the creation of a Social Compact Task Force to “explore ways to eliminate abusive behaviors including discrimination, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual assault and hazing.” Pastides said that he along with university staff have met with students, faculty, staff, parents and Pastides’ Community Advisory Council to hear ideas and critiques that may help the university be more inclusive overall.
Pastides also mentioned the university has received four consecutive Higher Education Excellence in Diversity awards and also received a grant from the SEC to share the university’s diversity programs with the other schools in the conference.