October 24, 2024 | By Nick Pfost
The University of Michigan is creating a Queer and Trans Task Force to address challenges and opportunities for LGBTQIA2S+ students, staff, faculty, and alumnx. Partners aim to improve LGBTQIA2S+ experiences and foster a more diverse, inclusive environment across all U-M campuses, setting a high standard for inclusivity in higher education.
Spectrum Center director Jesse Beal introduced the effort at the university's DEI 2.0 Year 1 Progress Report. A central action item for U-M's DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan, the task force will be supported by Student Life and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
"In year one, we established our leadership team, defined our project’s scope, and set an ambitious timeline," Beal said. "In year two, we are launching the full task force, and we will begin our inventory of practices, policies, and initiatives."
Subsequent work for the task force is expected to include focus groups, a multi-campus survey, and the development of recommendations and implementation plans.
"For me this work is a love letter to our queer and trans community members. It is a project that is led primarily by queer and trans people in service of our incredible communities."
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