Letter to the editor: University inclusiveness is a top priority

The University of South Dakota has, institutionally, continued to strive for an inclusive environment.

While this is a great direction for the university, what speaks louder is that the students are taking action as well.

As student representatives at a school where many efforts are being made toward making the campus more inclusive, the USD Student Government Association needs to set a good example.

So, what has SGA done to create an inclusive environment at USD?

Subcommittee for Inclusive Excellence

SGA created the Subcommittee for Inclusive Excellence (SIE) in 2014. SIE is charged with keeping SGA inclusive in practice and in policy.

The committee is comprised of three senators, Jesus Treviño, Lamont Sellers and two students representing the organizations in the Center for Diversity & Community.

Each month the committee gets together to deliberate SGA happenings and whether or not SGA is keeping inclusivity at the forefront of every decision, discuss what is going on in the CDC and makes note of items SIE wants SGA to look at.

Inclusive Recruitment

SGA currently has a diverse Senate.

Three years ago, that was not the case. When adjusting the election and at-large process to fill vacancies, SGA has researched and implemented ways to make the process more inclusive to every student within the university.

They’ve seen great success in recruiting a more representative population by making all feel welcome and able to apply.

Monthly IE Awareness Exercises

SGA has implemented a monthly inclusive excellence exercise program.

Senator Madeline Molseed, chair of SIE, has worked with the committee to come up with one exercise per month for the members of SGA.

These range from recognition of privilege to recognition of similarities and everything in-between. For a group of students who are constantly “in the know” this is a great “check” for SGA to remember that one opinion does not equal all opinions.

Senators have found joy in the camaraderie and education that has come with these exercises.

Your Student Government Association has been working hard to strive for a more diverse and inclusive environment outside of the Center for Diversity & Community.

They hope to set an example for all and to show that all are welcome at their table.

– The President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusiveness