John Carroll University Division of
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
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Volume 6, Issue 7: March 24, 2022 |
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R.I.S.E.* Up Newsletter
*Reinforcing Inclusion through Skill-building and Education
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Next week many members of the JCU community will be celebrating the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Since Islam follows a lunar calendar, the date of Ramadan changes somewhat every calendar year. In 2022, Ramadan will begin at sunset on April 1 and end on the evening of May 1, followed by the major festival Eid al-Fitr on May 2.
Since this is a time when Muslims gather in community, for those who live, study and/or work in predominantly non-Muslim environments such as JCU, the observance of Ramadan can sometimes feel lonely or isolating. For those at JCU who are not Muslim, here are a few ways to support those who are observing the Ramadan fast this year. (For a longer version of these tips, visit: "10 ways to support our JCU students and colleagues who are observing Ramadan")
1. Offer time and space for prayer on schedules.
Those observing Ramadan generally wake up before dawn to eat before the sun comes up and will not eat again until after sundown. When scheduling important events, meetings, exams, or programs, consider giving preference to early morning rather than late afternoon, and try to avoid scheduling evening events that will happen around sunset, as this is an important time for gathering with family and friends to pray and break the fast.
The day after the end of Ramadan is a major religious holiday, Eid al-Fitr. This festival is customarily celebrated in the company of family and friends, for which students and employees should be granted leave from work and class obligations.
2. Rethink events that revolve around food.
During Ramadan, most adults will fast from all food and water from sunrise to sunset. This year Ramadan will fall near the end of the spring semester, which is customarily a time for many campus gatherings and celebrations that focus on sharing food and drink. While food can still be an element of these celebrations, consider ways of making it less of the “main event," or adapting it to fit into the fast schedule.
3. Don't apologize for eating or drinking in front of someone observing Ramadan.
There is no need to apologize for going about your normal schedule or eating your lunch as usual if you are not fasting. The point of the fast is to exercise self-control as a spiritual practice, which is supposed to be challenging. There’s no need to get awkward or feel guilty if fasting isn’t your particular practice.
4. Don’t treat fasting as suffering.
In virtually every religious tradition that practices fasting, the primary purpose of a fast is to draw a person closer to God and to grow spiritually through the exercise of self-control. Expressing sympathy for a person’s experience of fasting or treating it as though it were primarily about self-deprivation rather than religious observance diminishes the important spiritual nature of the fast. Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan; it is a sacred and deeply personal practice, not a religious punishment.
5. Use this month to learn more -- and help others learn -- about Ramadan and Islam in general.
If you are in the role of educator or group leader, Ramadan can provide a good opportunity for a classroom lesson or group activity that helps others to learn more about the beliefs and practices of the second-largest religion in the world. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, either; knowledge and dialogue are valuable ways of being a supportive and inclusive friend, colleague, supervisor, or teacher.
6. Reduce expectations for physical activity.
During the Ramadan fast, many people will experience some degree of low blood sugar, dehydration, tiredness, and/or weakness that can make physical activity more challenging. While many Muslims do participate in rigorous physical activity, including elite athletics competitions, during the Ramadan fast, be alert to the need for some people -- particularly student-athletes -- to be gentler with their bodies at this time, especially in the late afternoon and evening near the end of the day’s fast.
7. Assume that some people will be observing Ramadan quietly.
While some people are very public about their religious practice, others prefer to keep their faith commitments private, especially if they have concerns about receiving unwanted attention or discrimination because of their religious identity. Whenever possible, assume that you have Muslim coworkers and/or students, and take that into account when planning exams, trips, gatherings, etc., during Ramadan.
8. Keep an eye out for those who may need additional support.
An important part of Ramadan is breaking the fast each day with friends and family. A person who has recently lost a loved one or who is away from their family may be experiencing particular sadness and strain during this time. Given that Ramadan also falls during a particularly stressful point in the semester, be alert to those who seem to be struggling emotionally and be as supportive as you can.
9. If you notice that someone isn’t fasting, don’t inquire about it.
There are many reasons why an observant Muslim might not fast during Ramadan or might break their fast during the day: for example, a person is not supposed to fast when they are traveling, while they are ill, while pregnant or breastfeeding, or while menstruating. Asking about a person’s reasons for not fasting can, therefore, get invasive rather quickly, so best to leave this one alone. Each person’s fast is their own spiritual practice, not an opportunity for a conversation starter.
10. Don't joke about fasting, either.
Ramadan is an ancient, serious, and sacred religious practice; we live up to our mission and our values when we treat this practice -- and our community members observing it -- with the respect and dignity they deserve.
We wish all the members of our Muslim community many blessings in this holy month. Ramadan Mubarak!
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Sincerely,
Megan Wilson-Reitz
Interim Manager for DEI Programs
These tips were adapted from Kirstin Kelley, “9 Ways to Support Students During Ramadan,” and Allana Akhtar and Marguerite Ward, “How to support your Muslim coworkers who are fasting during Ramadan.” They are also posted to our website here.
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JCU Black Students in Action presents
After School Special
TONIGHT, Thursday, March 24 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Dolan A 202/203
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What does success look like to you as a college student? How about when you were in high school?
The After School Special is a panel event with professional speakers for students from Maple Heights High School and John Carroll University, including featured panelist Maple Heights Mayor Annette M. Blackwell. Panelists will speak about what student success looks like on both levels, and to also inspire our students and help them understand what options they have after school. If you find yourself stuck when thinking about your future post-grad or in general, this is a very good opportunity to get pointed in the right direction! All are welcome!
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International Transgender Day of Visibility
Wednesday, March 30 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Student Center Atrium
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Join the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion in the Student Center Atrium during the lunch hour on March 30 to celebrate the accomplishments of transgender and gender-nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice. Stop by for giveaways, snacks, music and other goodies!
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SAS and CSDI present:
Movies with a Mission: Temple Grandin
Wednesday, March 30 | 2:00 pm | CSDI Lounge
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Join Student Accessibility Services and the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion to promote Disability Awareness and celebrate Women's History Month at our "Movies with a Mission" screening of the film Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes.
Temple Grandin is an autistic woman who is a leading scientist in the humane livestock handling industry.
Join us in the CSDI Lounge (at the far end of the Jardine Room hallway) for our movie screening on Wednesday afternoon. Light snacks will be provided.
Faculty and staff members can receive 15 DEI Champions points for attending this program.
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Two DEI Champions "leveling up" this week! |
We are very proud to announce that two of our DEI Champions have leveled up to GOLD badges this week:
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Emily Sherwood, Director of Community Standards
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Christina Perez, Administrative Assistant, Dean of Students Office
Are you a member of the DEI Champions program? Have you updated your participation points lately? Log on to the Canvas page and let us know what initiatives and programs you've been part of lately, so we can recognize you publicly for your efforts!
Our DEI Champion Badges recognize our faculty and staff members for their participation in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts here at JCU (and beyond). All members of the JCU faculty and staff, including part-time and temporary staff and graduate assistants, are eligible to become DEI Champions.
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CSDI-sponsored film at the Cleveland International Film Festival
March 30-April 9 - in person at Playhouse Square
April 10-17 - streaming online
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The Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion is privileged to sponsor the film Accepted at the 46th annual Cleveland International Film Festival.
The film, at once uplifting, shocking, and thought-provoking, exposes the mounting pressures of the college application process and the ethical conflicts intertwined with trying to guarantee someone a successful future.
CSDI will provide tickets to students, faculty and staff wishing to attend.
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Other events across the University... |
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The Arrupe Social Justice Scholars and the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights Program present:
Black Lives Matter Activist Janaya Khan
Thursday, March 31 | 7:00 pm | virtual via Zoom
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All JCU students, faculty and staff are invited to attend “A Conversation with Janaya Khan,” on Thursday, March 31st. Janaya Khan is a storyteller, futurist, activist, and international ambassador for the Black Lives Matter movement. They will deliver a timely message about the transformational power of protest, social justice and equality.
Co-sponsored by the Arrupe Social Justice Scholars and PJHR, this Webinar can be experienced remotely or in-person in the Donahue Auditorium, where the JCU community can participate together while engaging with Khan on the big screen.
This event is free of charge, but registration is required.
Questions? Please contact Arrupe at arrupe@jcu.edu
Faculty and staff members can receive 15 DEI Champions points for attending this program.
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R.I.S.E. Higher: Featured Article of the Week |
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Do Your Diversity Initiatives
Promote Assimilation Over Inclusion?
Lacee Jacobs, Mac Qartarone, and Kate Hemingway
The Harvard Business Review, February 2, 2022
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Recently, a client asked us to put together a program to accelerate promotion opportunities for what it referred to as its “diverse talent.” Based on our additional research, we realized the requirements for promotion at this company were skills that many employees were struggling with at the time — both those folks with marginalized identities and those without.
By targeting only a select few with this promotion program, it created a false narrative that only individuals from underrepresented backgrounds needed help developing these skills and that something was inherently wrong with how they performed. What’s more, these kinds of programs set a single standard for professionalism and therefore promote and lead to assimilation — the opposite of real inclusion.
Approaches like these might broadcast that the company devalues the need for change at all levels. It is not uncommon to see the group with the least privilege expected to change its behavior to help achieve equity in an organization. Rarely does anyone feel safe and included in any dynamic where they are the only ones expected to change.
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Announcements from our network... |
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Register now for the
Stand Against Racism Challenge
starts April 4th
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Previously known as the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, the 2022 Stand Against Racism Challenge presents 21 days of all-new activities that will challenge you to explore how racial and social injustice impact our community, to connect with one another, and to identify ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination.
Wherever you are on our social justice journey, this is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice. Launching Monday, April 4th, join thousands of participants and YWCA across the country and accept the Stand Against Racism Challenge by registering today!
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The City Club of Cleveland presents
Imagine. Invent. Ascend.
HBCUs and an Education for the 21st Century
Friday, April 1 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | The City Club
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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been educating Black men and women for more than 100 years. Current leading indicators from high college graduation to rates to affordability point to HBCU's important role in supporting our country's leaders and scholars of color.
In March of 2015, Mary Schmidt Campbell was named the 10th president of Spelman College--an HBCU located in Atlanta and a global leader in the education of Black women. Prior to this, Dr. Campbell dedicated years in the arts and culture sector, including the Studio Museum in Harlem, as NYC's Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, and as the Dean of NYU's renowned Tisch School of the Arts. And in 2009, President Barack Obama appointed her Vice Chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
Viewing Spelman as a necessity to reach an ideal of equality, Dr. Campbell recently launched Imagine. Invent. Ascend. as part of their 2022 Strategic Plan. It is a bold new vision for the College that builds on the College’s legendary legacy to educate Black women for the 21st century.
Join the City Club in-person (or watch/listen online) as we hear from Dr. Campbell on what is next for Spelman College and HBCUs. Ideastream Public Media's Jenny Hamel moderates.
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Other articles we're reading this week ...
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Race on Campus: How Higher Ed’s Great Resignation Falls Along Race and Gender Lines: As a result of the pandemic, women and people of color have been disproportionately pushed out of the labor force. Higher ed is no different. What the changing labor landscape means for colleges. (The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 15)
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Professors at Religious Institution Urge Missouri Lawmakers to Uphold Critical Race Theory - Dozens of faculty members at Saint Louis University (SLU), a private Jesuit school, recently wrote a letter to Missouri lawmakers urging them to uphold the teaching of critical race theory (CRT). (INSIGHT into Diversity, March 14)
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Iowa scrapped teacher training on equity. Students of color felt the sting of that decision. A few weeks before it was to take place, a teacher-training conference was postponed. A bill that would limit how teachers talk about racism was making its way through the state legislature, and state education officials said they were “mindful” that the bill could affect the conference.(The Washington Post, March 11)
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Katie Meyer’s Suicide Put the Spotlight on Student Discipline. Experts Say Mental Health Is the Larger Issue. Meyer’s death should serve as a reminder of the importance of providing empathy and support to all parties in disciplinary matters. (The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 11)
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Asked to Discuss Her Whiteness: Bridgewater State asked a white faculty applicant about her white privilege. The job seeker, who lost the job, says this line of questioning was discriminatory. Was it? (Inside Higher Ed, March 14)
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A Christian teacher was suspended for refusing to call students by the pronouns they use. Now she is suing. The lawsuit alleges violations of the teacher's First Amendment rights by forcing her to use language and implementing policies that breached her personal and religious beliefs. (The Washington Post, March 15)
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Judging a Judge on Race and Crime, G.O.P. Plays to Base and Fringe: Grilling Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court, conservative senators painted her as a jurist who had coddled criminals and embraced “woke” education. (The New York Times, March 22)
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Law Students Shout Down Controversial Speakers - One event went ahead, despite repeated disruptions, at Yale Law School. The other, at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, descended into chaos: the speaker was unable to eke out more than a few words before students shut him down, chanting, clapping and banging on desks in protest. (Inside Higher Ed, March 23)
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Shaping the Narrative - Add South Dakota to the list of states that have passed anti–critical race theory laws impacting higher education. (Inside Higher Ed, March 23)
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Schools are quietly removing books from their libraries featuring discussions of race, gender and LGBTQ identities - Although the vast majority of book challenges and bans go unreported, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom counted 330 incidents of book censorship in just the three months from September to November 2021 (The Washington Post, March 22)
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A Largely White Field Seeks Diversity- NACAC releases report that asks why admissions remains largely white. (Inside Higher Ed, March 22)
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