Virginia State University is introducing its first university-wide diversity and inclusion program in order to create a “more inclusive campus culture.”
During the 2017 fall semester, VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah put together an Advisory Board for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning Intersex Ally+ (LGBTQIA+) Inclusion.
Its purpose is to help create more positive opportunities and learning environments for students and faculty within the university community.
Abdullah said his key focus area is embracing the university’s role as a strong supporter of diversity.
“[VSU] strongly believes in fostering a community that identifies, values and respects differences of all people by creating a positive experience for students, faculty, staff and the community,” Abdullah said. “Therefore, as a university, we recognized that the Trojan campus community should be a safe, affirming environment for each and every student.”
This is not the first program VSU has initiated that has focused on diversity. In August 2016, the university hosted the first HBCU Sports Inclusion Summit series. The series focused on creating HBCU campuses that promote inclusive policies and programs for its LGBTQ athletes.
“We wanted to be as inclusive as we could during the rollout process,” said Pamela Turner, a spokeswoman for the university. “We are receiving good feedback from our university community [on the new initiative].”
