UND’s Special Task Force Submits Final Report On Policies Related To Bias-Related Incidents

June 11, 2009 by admin 

A task force charged with reviewing University of North Dakota policies related to bias-related incidents has submitted its final report to UND Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul LeBel, Vice President for Student and Outreach Services Robert Boyd, and Vice President For Finance and Operations Alice Brekke.

The task force, chaired by Psychology Professor James Antes, was formed in the summer of 2008 in response to bias-related incidents that had occurred on campus during the 2007-2008 academic year. Two of the three vice presidents who formed the task force – Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Greg Weisenstein and Vice President for Finance & Operations Robert Gallager – have since left the university. Daniel Rice, Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, chaired the task force at the conclusion of its work.

“The Special Task Force was appointed almost a year ago by three Vice Presidents. Our charge was to address the improvement of the climate for diversity on campus, to review the way the university responds to incidents of bias, and to consider ways to prevent such incidents. The membership included faculty, staff, and students, broadly representing the university community. It is our hope that the steps we have recommended will make UND an even more welcoming and accepting place for all the members of the university community,” said Rice.

The Final Report includes description of the specific work of the task force, observations on campus climate, findings and recommendations. The task force report emphasizes the importance of diversity as a pre-condition for academic excellence and calls for collaborative work among all members of the UND community in improving conditions on the campus.

UND President Robert Kelley has asked Vice Presidents Boyd, Brekke, and LeBel to include a careful consideration of the task force Final Report in formulating recommendations to the President.

“We are very grateful for the hard work that the task force members put into this process,” said Provost LeBel. “Their efforts emphasize the University’s commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, and I am confident that significant steps will be taken as a result of their work.”

The Vice Presidents have committed to a meeting in August with the people who served on the task force to report on the recommendations made to the President.

The full report can be found at http://www2.und.nodak.edu/our/news/pdf/taskForceFinalReport.pdf

HOMELESS, MENTAL ILLNESS, SUBSTANCE USE: SUCCESS OR FAILURE – June 16, Moorhead

June 8, 2009 by admin 

The League of Women Voters of the Red River Valley will sponsor a Town Hall Meeting to explore the success or failure of our F-M Community’s Response to homeless, mental illness and/or substance use issues. The meeting will be held June 16, 2009, 6:30-8:30 PM at the Moorhead Public Library large meeting room.

A panel of local experts will comment on their roles and experience related to these issues. A dialogue between the participants and panelists will be encouraged by the moderator in order to answer questions, react to comments and provide possible solutions.

Susan Helgeland, Executive Director of Mental Health America of ND will moderate the panel. Panelists include: Mike Carbonne, Executive Director, ND Homeless Coalition; Brandee Drinken, Dorothy Day House; Becky Elbert, CNS, MeritCare Health System; Jan Eliason, Director, Gladys Ray Shelter; and Diana Hall, VA Mental Health Services; Officer Scott Stenerson, Fargo Police Department; and Sara Wiederhalt, Homeless Outreach Service, Southeast Human Service Center.

The event is free and open to the public.

F-M Pride Guide Now Available

June 5, 2009 by admin 

The F-M Pride Guide is now available in the upcoming issue of the High Plains Reader! Pick up a copy of the new High Plains Reader this week and check out the great articles, full schedule of events and businesses supporting F-M Pride!

9th Annual PEPP Fest: June 6, Moorhead

June 3, 2009 by admin 

Saturday, June 6, 2009
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Romkey Park, Moorhead

Free and open to the public!

Activities include: face painting, t-shirt tie-dyeing, local musical talent, youth-friendly games and free picnic food throughout the afternoon.

For more information, please visit www.pepp.org.


Moorhead Race Relations Studied

June 3, 2009 by admin 

Coalition to determine how far city has come in decade since July 1998 riot
A riot rocked Moorhead on the Fourth of July in 1998 after police tried to make an arrest in a neighborhood with a large Hispanic population.

http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/242616/

Vacancies on Fargo Human Relations Commission

June 1, 2009 by admin 

Due to expired terms and individuals moving out of the area, there will be three vacancies on the Fargo Human Relations Commission.

For more information, please visit: http://www.cityoffargo.com/CityInfo/Departments/PlaningandDevelopment/HumanRelations/

To complete an application, please visit: http://apps.cityoffargo.com/gettinginvolved/

Contact: Nate Bailly, City of Fargo, 701-476-6751

YWCA’s “It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race” Luncheon: June 9, Moorhead

June 1, 2009 by admin 

The 4th annual “It’s Time to Talk: Forums on Race” luncheon will be Tuesday, June 9, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead.  The YWCA is proud to announce that it has again secured Tim Wise, one of the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the country, to deliver the keynote address.  The topic for this year’s luncheon is “Power and Privilege: The Product of Institutional Racism.”  Following Tim’s keynote, a panel of local leaders will discuss the issues of racism right here in our community.

We encourage you to use this as a diversity training opportunity for yourself or your company. You can contact the YWCA to register for this important event.  We hope you will continue to support the YWCA and its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.

For more information, please visit www.ywcacassclay.org or call 701-232-2547.