Anderson University Statement on Racial Equity Task Force Listening Groups

Anderson University is dedicated to truth, inclusion, excellence, and service. The Racial Equity Task Force is a natural extension of these principles for us; their goal is to explore ways for us to apply our values to areas of identity, race, and social inclusion. This is a team of employees within AU, most of whom hold historically marginalized identities, and whose passion is to work with our students directly to illuminate their experiences on campus. The president’s cabinet sits on the task force to actively participate in our commitment to social equity.

Recently, the task force completed a survey amongst the student body about their experiences regarding race on campus. After compiling the responses, the task force decided to welcome students into respective listening groups based on race and ethnicity. This evidence-based method was selected for listening groups based on research models that demonstrate it as being highly effective for receiving candid feedback.

This survey from the task force is a part of a larger project to achieve our mission of being an informed community. The collected data and feedback will directly shape the next projects and resources the university generates for the next school year.

Our intention is to create a safe place for our students to openly share their experiences, and not to alienate persons in the process. This effort is an honest attempt to gather information to promote Christ-centered racial reconciliation.

John S. Pistole