Inclusive Campus Discussion

Division News
  • Rowan University Division of DEI Team
  • 27 February 2024

Inclusive Campus Discussion with Rowan University President February 2024 Photo

Pictured above, left to right:

Front row:

  • Yasmien Farhat, Student
  • Dr. Ali Houshmand, Rowan University President
  • Brianna Reagan, Student
  • Sadia Islam, Student

Middle row:

  • Dr. Penny McPherson–Myers, Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
  • Yesha Patel, Student
  • Emilia Navarro Hurtado, Student
  • Missy Morgan, Student
  • Dr. Kha' Sadler, Associate Provost of Wellness and Inclusivity
  • Dr. Anthony Lowman, Rowan University Provost

Back row:

  • Daniel Marquez Lopez, Student
  • Dr. Kevin Koett, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Durwoof Pinkett, Student
  • Michael Harrington, Student
  • Kiara A., Student
  • Zobia Bokhari, Student

*Also in attendance and not pictured:

  • Yug Yadava, Student
  • Dominique Pierson, Manager for the Office of Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution (SJICR)

 

This event summary is provided by the Rowan University Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Please email questions to dei@rowan.edu. 

 

Inclusive Campus Discussion with President Houshmand

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Rowan University facilitated a peace-building dialogue with Dr. Ali Houshmand, Rowan University President, and members of the President's Cabinet, Dr. Anthony Lowman, University Provost; and Dr. Penny McPherson–Myers, Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Other student-run associations at Rowan University that participated in the discussion included the South Asian Students Association (SASA), United Latinos Association (ULA), Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Poetic Justice, and Rowan Progressives.

Facilitated at the Office of Social Justice, Inclusion, and Conflict Resolution (SJICR) in Hawthorn Hall on the Glassboro campus, students from participating organizations engaged in dialogue with the President, Provost, VP of DEI, and other campus leaders to discuss the state of Rowan University as it relates to students of color. Topics included students' concerns in regard to creating a more inclusive campus community.

As a follow-up to the discussion, participating student-run organizations are currently working on a statement speaking to Islamophobia and anti-Semitism that they will share with the President.

 

DEI Task Force and Inclusive Community Survey Results

Initiatives to create a more inclusive campus community are currently being strategized and developed under Dr. McPherson–Myers' leadership at the Division of DEI, outlined below.

Rowan University DEI Task Force

  • Overseen by Dr. McPherson–Myers, the Provost, and President, the university-wide DEI Task Force convened during the fall of 2023 and recently completed development of a complete perspective of the university's DEI work conducted since the Division of DEI's inception in 2019.
  • The resulting report is currently in the review stage and serves to illuminate the collective Task Force's findings and recommendations.

Rowan University DEI Council Strategic Priority Committees

  • Also overseen by Dr. McPherson–Myers, the DEI Council Strategic Priorities Committee (2) is currently completing analysis and report development from the university's Equity Audit (Inclusive Community Survey) that was administered by the Strategic Priorities Committee (1) to all students and employees across campuses in the spring of 2023.
  • This resulting report, along with the DEI Task Force report, will be made available on the Division of DEI website later this spring.

 

The Division of DEI expresses gratitude to all student-run organizations and university leadership who participated in this meaningful event. Our team recognizes and supports the pressing need for universal cultural respect and increased understanding of the complexities and nuances of religion, spirituality, and culture. Together we strive to better listen to, center, and support all university community members with minoritized identities, and we are grateful for the continued dialogue.

 

We invite the Rowan University community to review and use our resources for inclusive communications, continued learning, and support, below.

  • Honoring the Month of Ramadan and Supporting Our Rowan University Communities (link)
  • Recognizing and Celebrating Muslim Heritage Month Year-Round and Increasing Cultural Appreciation (link)
  • Seeking Resources and Support Guide for the Rowan University Community (link)

 

Follow the Rowan University Division of DEI: