In an email Tuesday to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Steve Theodore announced an update to the steps the university is taking to identify and eliminate the biases that contribute to racism on campus.
Since last fall, the university has been working with Renew Partnerships, an organization whose purpose is to foster racial justice and unity in the Body of Christ. The organization distributed a climate survey to students and employees that measures key racial dynamics within the campus community. Over 1,600 individuals responded. Additionally, six student focus groups and four faculty and staff focus groups recently concluded as they provided valuable feedback.
Renew Partnerships is now in the process of analyzing the collected data, and campus leadership will be provided with the research findings within the next couple of months. The university will use this information to design a comprehensive action plan for improving the UMHB experience for persons of color.
“We’re excited and encouraged that Renew Partnerships is helping us to grow in our understanding of racial dynamics at UMHB and equipping us with the knowledge and skill to do our part to bring about change,” said Dr. Steve Theodore. “We will continue to communicate with our students, faculty, staff, and alumni throughout the process.”
