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Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award 2020

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Council for Diversity and Inclusion

The Clemson University Division of Inclusion and Equity is taking a holistic approach to carrying out the goals and objectives outlined in the Clemson Elevate strategic plan to embrace and promote an inclusive environment for higher learning.

The Clemson University Council for Diversity and Inclusion has members from across the university.

Vice President for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Dr. Felicia Benton-Johnson and Executive Vice President and Provost Robert Jones co-chair the Clemson University Council for Diversity and Inclusion. The council was established to ensure students, faculty, staff and community members have the ability to share, address and resolve issues facing the university.

The nearly 50-member Council for Diversity and Inclusion is composed of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and area community leaders. Deans and Vice Presidents from all colleges and divisions appoint representatives to serve on the council alongside community leaders from the Pickens County NAACP, the president of the Urban League of the Upstate and the president of Hispanic Alliance. President James P. Clements and Chief of Staff Max Allen are ex officio members of the council.

Bob Jones, Co-Chair
Provost

Dr. Felicia Benton-Johnson, Co-Chair
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence

University Commissions

The Council also consists of seven commissions:

Accessibility Commission
The Accessibility Commission advises and makes recommendations to the Council of Inclusion and Diversity about all areas impacting accessibility.

The Commission on Latino Affairs
The Commission on Latino Affairs fosters partnerships among faculty, staff, students, community members and Latinos to strengthen quality of life through cultural and educational programs, services and advocacy.

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Commission
The LGBTQ Commission advises on matters affecting LGBTQ people to ensure the university appropriately addresses issues of equity, safety and welfare for LGBTQ faculty, staff, students and guests. The commission aspires to unite various organizations working on LGBTQ programs, education and outreach at Clemson to help create a more welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

The Commission on the Black Experience
The Commission on the Black Experience advises the Division of Inclusion and Equity and the University about the Black experience at Clemson University and advocate for specific actions to enhance its quality and the environment. The Commission works to identify any institutional barriers or problem areas and make recommendations to enhance inclusion for Black faculty, staff and students in addition to fostering good relations with Black alumni and the local Black community.

The Commission on Women
The Commission on Women discerns the status of women at Clemson and documents findings; discovers and pursues the removal of institutional barriers identified by the commission; and collects information and/or conducts research regarding issues affecting women. It also explores problem areas that limit equal opportunities and advancement. The commission pledges to encourage and inspire women to become leaders, problem-solvers and innovators who make meaningful contributions to American society.

Veterans Commission
The Clemson University Presidential Veterans Commission was established on October 25, 2018 as the sixth University Commission. The purpose of the Veterans Commission is to serve in an advisory capacity to the university administrators, faculty, staff, and students regarding matters that affect veterans and their families. The commission seeks to create an atmosphere that encourages inclusion and to recommend policies that will improve access and opportunities for our student veterans.

Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Commission
Formed in 2021, the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Commission exists to promote inclusion, understanding, appreciation, and safety of the APIDA population at Clemson University.

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