The Office for Inclusive Excellence at Sacred Heart University announced the formation of the 2024-2025 Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council (IEAC) on Oct. 17. This group advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the SHU community.
The new IEAC was announced by Maurice Nelson, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at SHU, in a university-wide email.
“The SHU Office for Inclusive Excellence (OIE) is committed to antiracism, anti-oppression, and embracing and celebrating diversity as necessary components for institutional excellence,” said Nelson.
Maurice Nelson, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in SHU’s office for
Inclusive Excellence, speaking at a National Coming Out Day event on the
Upper Quad.
Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart University
As a representative group, the IEAC is dedicated to fostering a “psychologically and physically safe environment that supports a culture of antiracism and anti-oppression.” It is composed of 15 voting members including undergraduate students, professors, department heads and more.
There are also several ex officio members on the IEAC, including Nelson. Rob Johnson, Executive Director of Multicultural Affairs, and Kyle Humphreys, Manager of LGBTQ+ Affairs, are also ex officio members.
The Sacred Heart Pioneer Plan describes equity as, “different from equality in that equality implies treating everyone as if their experiences are the same. Equal treatment results in equality only if everyone starts with equal access to opportunities. Equity recognizes that each person has different experiences and circumstances based on their identities and experiences, and it intentionally allocates the resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.”
“I feel as though SHU is a more inclusive school than most. However, there is always room to grow. I feel through this council, there is a chance for SHU to become a safer environment for people in the queer community and other multicultural groups,” said Lexi Louros, President of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA).
The IEAC was created due to a growing need for advocacy on DEIB issues in higher education. As colleges across the country are becoming aware of such a necessity, SHU designed this council to unite different voices across the university.
Faculty, staff and students participating aim to ensure that all perspectives are heard and represented.
The mission of the IEAC is to make a diverse and inclusive environment essential to education and for SHU to provide a precedent for inclusive excellence in higher education.
The council will assist in developing a comprehensive plan that addresses the specific needs of the university community. By providing secure platforms for sharing experiences, the IEAC will also pursue meaningful conversations with all SHU students.
By committing to its mission and vision, the council seeks to create an environment where every member of the SHU community feels valued and empowered in a safe environment that supports a culture of antiracism, anti-oppression, anti-discrimination, and all DEIB issues.
“SHU’s ongoing commitment to improve Inclusive Excellence stands out as a distinct part of our institution’s Catholic identity. On this journey, we are stronger together. Inclusive Excellence calls all Pioneers to action and to put in the work,” said Dr. Charlie Gillespie, Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies and Director of Pioneer Journey.
“This plan will give us the tools, provide the guidance and inspire the courage for us to seek excellence in how we practice what we value.”
In addition to the IEAC, the OIE also has several cultural identity clubs that students can join, as well as numerous upcoming events.
For more info on the OIE and its upcoming events, visit https://www.sacredheart.edu/offices–departments-directory/inclusive-excellence/.
