January 14th, 201950Many of USD’s traditions honoring inclusive excellence have roots decades old. In September, the 27th annual Red Road Gathering centered around the theme “Next Generation.” The Tiospaye Student Council will host its 47th annual Wacipi April 6-7, 2019 at USD’s Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Tiospaye also organized a Native American...
October 30th, 201896Written by the President's Council on Diversity & Inclusiveness The President’s Council for Diversity and Inclusiveness selects a theme each year and asks the campus and larger community to participate in the theme. This year’s theme is “Becoming Allies and Advocates.” Every one of us may have relative privilege in some...
April 20th, 2018142Why do university officials allow an artificial flag to be on the video screen in the DakotaDome during the National Anthem when there is a large genuine U.S. flag on the wall visible to all? Flag code says one U.S. flag per room/auditorium unless there is a ceremony like a Color Guard. I say the video screen should be dark during the...
April 18th, 201866There’s an old saying that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago—the second best time is now. Many of USD’s traditions honoring inclusive excellence have roots decades old. In October, the 26th Annual Red Road Gathering told stories of healing and community as it honored founder Gene Thin Elk, director of Native Student...
April 17th, 201896Both men entered this world in 1948, and graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1974. Each began his law practice in Yankton. And, over many decades, both changed South Dakota’s landscape in two high profile and important fields: education and health care. This summer, both are retiring, and though it...
March 20th, 201891What are “History Months” or “Awareness Months” and why do we have them? History and Awareness Months celebrate the accounts and achievements of marginalized individuals often excluded or overshadowed in traditional history books. They serve as reminders for everyone to learn more about the rich heritage and culture of those...
February 6th, 201880The President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusiveness has selected “privilege” as the theme for the spring semester and invites everyone on campus to plan events around that concept. “Privilege” can be defined as “a special advantage or benefit not enjoyed by all.” This sort of right, advantage or immunity often is...
December 3rd, 2017616I have mixed emotions concerning Abbott’s retirement. On one hand he can be credited for advancing the USD brand in many areas. One area stands, however, as a glaring exception. That is the area of sexual harassment/assault on campus. For example, there is a current USD faculty member that was investigated for sexual harassment in...
November 28th, 2017641Dear faculty, Suppose you are a USD student whose identity as a person is challenged every time someone calls you by your legal name in front of others. In addition to being a source of embarrassment and cause of serious concern, being called by your legal name can also threaten your safety. Now, imagine this happens to you four to...
