The 2020 Revision document, developed by student leaders and submitted to University of South Carolina leadership, established students' vision for inclusion and representation at the institution. In response, the university created an action plan to bring 2020 Revision to life and to better address long-standing issues of systemic racism and societal inequity.
In June 2020, a group of student leaders from diverse campus communities submitted 2020 Revision to university leadership. In the document, they shared ideas for creating a more inclusive and representative UofSC. The document also included unaddressed equity issues from 2015 which had been brought forward by student leaders.
Upon receipt, President Caslen tasked Julian R. Williams, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion to work closely with student leadership to create an action plan to address the issues. A working group of student leaders and staff was established from the Provost’s Office, Student Affairs, and the Faculty Senate. The group worked diligently and deliberately throughout the 2020-21 academic year.
To address the equity concerns brought forward by student leaders, the University of South Carolina created an action plan with corresponding institutional investments. These steps of the plan are a path to address existing barriers; build a more diverse faculty, staff and student population; and create an environment where differences are celebrated rather than tolerated.
The following six goals addressing diversity, equity and inclusion are only part of the university's ongoing efforts. Priority 4 of our strategic plan For South Carolina: A Path to Excellence charts the path towards a more inclusive and equitable UofSC.
Revisit the Carolina Core and other degree requirements to include a variety of coursework options focused on marginalized communities. Allow more courses about marginalized communities to fulfill the required course categories of U.S. History, English, Ethics and other Carolina Core requirements. Implement mandatory course requirements that focus on the intersectionality of major courses and topics of diversity.
The UofSC Board of Trustees should take an intentional stance supporting both the renaming of campus buildings named after individuals with racist backgrounds and the continued work of the Presidential Commission on University History in publicly addressing and disseminating historically accurate information related to the university's expansion.
The Office of Pre-Professional Advising both expand their efforts to engage more students of marginalized groups through the process of moving from undergraduate to professional school and to provide them with the collaborative resources needed to be competitive applicants for professional school.
The university will expand recruitment efforts for students, faculty and staff of color in order to increase racial diversity on campus.
New required diversity education for first-year students to include comprehensive diversity and inclusion modules, which also is available to graduate student teaching assistants, university faculty and staff. University departments should also complete an annual report outlining plans to promote diversity and inclusivity within their sector.
The creation of campus gathering places celebrating the university’s multicultural history.
Fostering a truly inclusive, open and supportive learning, teaching and working environment for all communities will require change as an institution and as individuals. We remain committed to this change.
— President Bob Caslen