On Dec. 21, an email was sent to the DU community addressing the experiences of marginalized communities on campus.

The email expressed concern at recent incidences of hateful speech and harassment toward Muslim communities across Colorado and the U.S. According to the email, DU is committed to addressing the prejudice students may be experiencing on campus.

“We are deeply troubled that some of our own community members feel unwelcome, and even fearful to return to campus,” said the email. “Everyone deserves to be safe and feel included in our diverse community, and we are committed to ending any behavior–however subtle–that undermines the values of this institution. We hope you will join us in this important commitment.”

The email also listed resources for students who may be seeking support related to these experiences, including the Office of Equal Opportunity, Health and Counseling Center, Ombuds Office, Chaplain Gary Brower and Pioneers CARE.

A second email was sent out on Jan. 18, which detailed the progress being made toward creating a comprehensive strategic plan for the university. According to the email, diversity and inclusion will be a key aspect of the strategic plan.

“At the heart of our strategic plan, DU IMPACT 2025, is the vision of a diverse and inclusive community to which individuals belong and can contribute their unique talents and in which, together, we build an intentional community of scholarship, teaching, learning and service,” said the email.

In response to reports of the DU community’s experiences with prejudice and discrimination, part of the plan is a commitment to creating a bias incident reporting system, creating opportunities for discussion of issues of privilege and instituting a formal method for including student feedback in the creation of diversity and inclusion plans.

“This past quarter, various faculty, staff and students have shared painful stories about their experiences with prejudice and discrimination on our campus—some sharing that these experiences have changed very little over several decades,” said the email. “While these stories were difficult to hear, they helped identify some gaps in the types of support and education we offer our community members to develop the skills needed to change our campus culture.”

The plan will also include some structural changes within DU administration, including the creation of the Chancellor’s Diversity and Equity Advisory Committee and the Provost’s Academic Diversity Council.

More information about the strategic plan can be found on the Imagine DU website.