President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

“We at Emmanuel aim to serve as a model for reasoned, fact-based discussion, listening, open-mindedness, and tolerance. We recognize the value of inclusion, equity and diversity, including diversity of thought. Above all, we never lose sight of the dignity of the human person, so deeply rooted in our Catholic educational mission.” – Sister Janet Eisner, SNDdeN, President

The President's Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (PCDEI) advances Emmanuel College’s commitment to understanding the root causes of racism and division in our society, while enhancing an atmosphere of authentic welcome, openness and inclusion on campus. Consisting of students, faculty, administrators and staff, the PCDEI responds to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds by sponsoring College-wide trainings, programs and events such as those listed below. In addition, the PCDEI frequently collaborates with partners across the Colleges of the Fenway (COF) on dynamic programs including the Undoing Racism workshops.

Listening Forums
Listening Forums to provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to share their personal stories and experiences with the wider campus community. Listening Forums focus on one speaker at a time, enabling the entire audience to hear the speaker’s message.

• December 2014 – Organized in response to the Black Student Union List of Demands
• January 2016 – Organized in response to additional Black Student Union student concerns
• December 2016 – Organized in response to national events

Dialogue Forums
Since 2015, faculty, staff, and students have come together for eight Dialogue Forums in response to community programs and current events

• April 2015 – Dialogue after Dr. Peggy McIntosh Hakim Lecture on White Privilege
• April 2016 – A Conversation about Unconscious Bias
• September 2016 – A Summer of Violence: Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and the murders of five police officers in Dallas, TX
• April 2017 – Follow-up to Shaun King’s “Through the Wire” presentation, Dr. Charlotte Tate’s lecture, and Diane Nash’s Dorothy Day lecture
• September 2017 – The Aftermath of Charlottesville
• February 2018 – What We’re Missing in the Debate about Immigration
• April 2018- Be Kind, Always
• November 2018 – Considering the Current Social and Political Climate
• April 2019 – Faces Along the Spectrum
• June 2020 – Minneapolis: Where Do We Go from Here?

A Day Of Action

Held annually since 2017, A Day of Action is a call to renewed civic engagement among all members of our community and a call to open-minded dialogue with peers and colleagues of diverse backgrounds and views. Typically held on the Friday of Family Weekend, it is a day of programs, lectures, films, and cultural experiences that engage all students, faculty and staff.  A Day of Action was introduced to Emmanuel through Dr. Clare Mehta, Associate Professor of Psychology.

If you have any questions about the President’s Commission for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, please email us at pcdi@emmanuel.edu.