RIT enhances pluralism through unique partnerships

As RIT continues to make strides in the area of diversity, a unique initiative sponsored by the Commission for Promoting Pluralism can call its inaugural year successful.

As a follow up to the March 2002 Diversity Day, RIT launched Partnerships in Pluralism, a concept supported by the 2003 Minett Professor Gladys Santiago. The effort is a spin-off from Rochester Mayor William Johnson’s Bi-Racial Partnership project.

The yearlong project, which began in January 2004, was created to help improve the climate and effectiveness of diversity at RIT by providing an opportunity for unique partnerships to build trust and credibility.

Howard Ward, left, and Carl Lundgren were among more than 80 participants in the Partnerships in Pluralism project sponsored by RIT's Commission for Promoting Pluralism.

More than 30 pairs of RIT faculty, staff and students and 14 coach facilitators met over the course of the year to brainstorm ways to improve RIT’s diversity climate. Each pair contained a member of RIT’s ALANA (African, Latino, Asian and Native American) population.

“We are so proud of the overwhelming success of this project,” says Alfreda Brown, chairperson of the Commission for Promoting Pluralism. “We are grateful to all of those who participated in this flagship initiative at RIT, and we look forward to utilizing the ideas and feedback provided by our pairs. Results from questionnaires will soon be tabulated and at that time, we will make recommendations for the future of the project. The dedication and commitment of our participants working to enhance diversity at RIT is truly commendable.”

Diane Barbour, RIT’s chief information officer, who was paired with Lee Twyman, RIT’s Ombudsperson, had some interesting observations about the program and its concept. “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with this program,” says Barbour. “Like many of the other pairs, Lee and I discovered that despite our difference in skin color, we are more alike than different. We shared experiences with parents aging, children growing up and moving on, and relationships with siblings. We also had an opportunity to discuss our own needs and desires—past, current and future.”

Adds Barbour, “Perhaps if such pairings started at an early age, by the time we reached adulthood, we would be past defining people based on race, religion or ethnicity.”

Keith Jenkins, assistant professor of communication, College of Liberal Arts, and project co-chairperson says, “Race is only one of many challenges we face across cultures at RIT. Partnerships in Pluralism provides a solid model for members of the RIT family to connect and discuss difficult issues. We are excited about exploring these issues as the project continues.”

The project wrapped up last month with a celebratory event at Liberty Hill, home of RIT President Albert Simone.