A new group of University leaders, tasked with providing direction and recommendations for positive change on LGBTQIA+ issues, has officially convened at Illinois State.
The group, known as the LGBTQIA+ Policies and Initiatives Subcommittee, resides at the highest levels in the University, within the President’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council (DIAC).
“We begin by coming from a place that acknowledges problems and that work needs to be done,” said Dr. Byron Craig, who serves as chair and faculty fellow, leading the group. “Our role is not only to look at the policies, but listen to those impacted across campus, and submit a plan of action for change.”
The subcommittee is one of the steps to be taken by the University, according to Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Doris Houston. “As an institution of higher learning, we need to understand where we can make the greatest impact,” said Houston, who is the chair of DIAC. “We start by looking at the very foundations.”
The subcommittee was convened for the first time January 25 by President Terri Goss Kinzy. “I have tasked the group to look deeply at policies and procedures that get at the very heart of how the University operates,” said Kinzy. “I have great faith that this subcommittee can identify areas of success to promote immediately and deliver recommendations for systemic changes at ISU.”
Read President Terri Goss Kinzy’s charge to the subcommittee.
Members of the group include:
Byron Craig, chair and faculty fellow
Jana Albrecht, Office of the Provost
Leanna Bordner, Athletics
Laina Carney, School of Theatre and Dance
Michael Gardner, Illinois State University Police Department
David Giovagnoli, Center for Integrated Professional Development
Jessica Green, University Advancement
Jackie Gunderson, Comptroller’s Office
Mary Katreeb, graduate student
JoJo Mitchell, Student Counseling Services
Dakesa Piña, College of Education
Bridget Reeland, University Housing Services
Natalie Rodgers, graduate student
Jennifer Sedbrook, Mennonite College of Nursing
Nick Steinmetz, graduate student
Justin Vickers, School of Music
Gavin Weiser, School of Teaching and Learning
