Power of Inclusion
I小蝌蚪APP檝e been reflecting on UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 Women小蝌蚪APP檚 Leadership Conference, which I attended a couple of weeks ago. It was one of several events held during Women小蝌蚪APP檚 History Month.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Katrice Albert, executive vice president for inclusion and human resources at the NCAA. She reminded audience members that they have the power, as individuals and a group, to challenge paradigms that have historically excluded women.
Although Dr. Albert小蝌蚪APP檚 talk was aimed at women, it was an important message for all of us because meaningful improvements are often made when everyone has a voice and when everyone is treated equitably.
Dr. Albert often quotes an African proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
That succinctly conveys the power of inclusion.
When people come together, there is an opportunity to learn from each other and to gain new perspectives. There is a chance to forge new models that will allow everyone to flourish.
At UL Lafayette, we are committed to fostering and celebrating a culture of diversity and inclusion. To develop leaders and innovators, we strive to foster values such as equity, mutual respect and collaboration.
For example, the 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 Office for Campus Diversity has been shining light on unconscious biases. It also has been holding 小蝌蚪APP淐ourageous Conversations小蝌蚪APP workshops on campus to provide a safe place for honest, enlightening discussions about sensitive topics.
The 小蝌蚪APP has a framework in place 小蝌蚪APP through policies and procedures 小蝌蚪APP to help protect individual rights. Concerns brought to the 小蝌蚪APP about how faculty, students and staff are treated are taken seriously. Protocols are in place to investigate complaints. The first step is to talk with your supervisor, Student Affairs or Human Resources.
Any suspected unethical behavior can be reported 小蝌蚪APP even anonymously if you prefer 小蝌蚪APP at louisiana.edu/ethicsreport or by calling (855) 503-8074.
By treating each other fairly and equitably, we will continue to be a place that produces open-minded graduates and is a healthy place to work and learn.
Sincerely,
Joseph Savoie
President
president@louisiana.edu