A new $1 million fund at Miami University will be used to fund competitive grants to develop inclusive projects.
A new $1 million fund at Miami University will be used to fund competitive grants to develop inclusive projects. Photo: Scott Kissell
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$1 million fund to advance diversity, equity and inclusion development efforts

President Gregory Crawford today announced a new $1 million fund to support diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Miami University, with possible applications for wider society.

This fund is the realization of a recommendation from the President’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. The fund will be used to develop innovative programs designed to create clear, measurable progress in bringing about transformative and sustainable advancement in the university’s efforts and build a diverse, inclusive and more welcoming community.

Vicka Bell-Robinson, task force co-chair, said, “We're happy to see this fiscal investment in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. We're excited to see what types of ideas and projects come from our students, faculty, and staff that will have an impact not only here at Miami, but also places far beyond our little corner of Ohio.”

This $1 million will be used to fund competitive grants to develop inclusive academic programming, drive innovative curricular reforms, and create innovative programs that will impact students and increase recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty and staff. The new programs and initiatives will amplify and enhance already existing efforts in these areas.

“Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion not only requires the help of stakeholders in the community but also the resources to fund recommendations and initiatives. The creation of this fund will no doubt have an essential role in the efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion and help develop and maintain a welcoming and inclusive culture at Miami University,” said Anthony James, task force co-chair.

This fund will be used in addition to the $250,000 gift from an anonymous donor and the $25,000 from the Western College Alumnae Association to support Miami’s diversity and inclusive excellence programs.

The President’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force is focusing on five pillars of change: Dialogue and Allyship, Cultural Competency, Advocacy and Partnerships, Structural and Resource Support, and Inclusion and Accountability.