Editorial | A plan of action

This fall, the University will circulate its Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence, which pledges $100 million over five years from the University and the 12 schools. We commend President Amy Gutmann and Provost Vincent Price for putting forth these guidelines to increase diversity among campus faculty.

Each school must develop its own plan to increase faculty diversity by May 2012. The Provost will then meet with the deans of each of the schools annually to measure progress and make modifications to programs where necessary. We believe that the University should also have a strong presence in the creation process for each school.

We encourage the schools to create effective committees of students and faculty and to use their input when creating their plans, as well as in realizing their goals. It is also important that the schools are transparent about their plans, establishing clear and public guidelines of their goals, so that they can be held accountable by the University community at large.

One component lacking in the University Action Plan is a commitment to LGBT diversity. As of now, the University aims to increase minority and female representation in its faculty. We hope that in the future, perhaps even in each school’s initial plan, there is a commitment to increasing sexual orientation diversity as well.

What do you think about the Action Plan? Should it be the University’s job or that of each school to create a plan for increasing diversity? Send us your thoughts to letters@theDP.com.

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