The State of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at Syracuse University With Mary Grace Almandrez
As the University’s vice president for diversity and inclusion, Mary Grace Almandrez was paying close attention to the Supreme Court rulings that were issued towards the end of the court’s term in June. In particular, Almandrez and her Office of Diversity and Inclusion colleagues were anxious to see how the court would rule on the issue of race-based admissions and how the outcome would impact colleges and universities across the country, including Syracuse University.
The court decided to undo decades of judicial precedent by reversing rulings that allowed race-conscious admissions programs, preventing colleges and universities from considering race as one of many factors in deciding which qualified applicants are admitted.
Almandrez says that the court’s rulings align with recent national trends where issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) are coming under attack, and she wasn’t surprised when the decisions were announced.
Check out episode 149 of the “’Cuse Conversations” podcast featuring Almandrez. A transcript [PDF] is also available.
While Almandrez was deeply disappointed by the rulings, she pointed to the University’s long track record of fostering an environment where all students feel welcomed and supported as proof that Syracuse University will not waver in its commitment to DEIA issues.
“It’s important to note that the decisions have to do with the consideration of race in the admissions process. That does not mean that we need to back down from our recruitment strategies. In fact, this is a moment when we have to enhance and expand. We’re thinking about other ways we can diversify our applicant pool, doing concerted and targeted outreach in areas where there is great diversity, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic status diversity, for example,” says Almandrez, who facilitates critical programs and initiatives, and partners with key constituencies to achieve the priorities outlined in our university’s DEIA’s strategic plan and academic strategic plan.
On this “’Cuse Conversation,” Almandrez discusses the Supreme Court’s rulings and their impact on current and prospective students, shares how the University remains committed to being a national leader in DEIA efforts, and highlights what the campus community can expect from the inaugural D.E.I.A. Symposium on Oct. 3.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the Symposium, which will showcase the breadth of DEIA efforts across the University. The deadline to register is Sept. 25.
