Equity and Inclusion Resources
In light of recent acts of violence against people of color, the College of Engineering is looking to further develop and implement a plan of action to address systemic racism. That starts with self-education and a commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive environment here in the college. This page contains various resources that we hope provide the College of Engineering’s faculty, staff and students with ways to actively listen, learn, respond and support our community.
“First and foremost, we can all help by educating ourselves and rooting out prejudice, racism, and discrimination in our personal lives. We can treat our neighbors and colleagues — regardless of background or the color of their skin — with dignity and respect. We can listen. We can interrupt unjust acts, offering comfort to those who are hurting, and advocating for changes to unjust policies and practices. We can serve as role models to others, showing empathy, support and understanding. We can get involved.”
Readings and videos:
- Stereotype Threat and Identity Threat: The Science of a Diverse Community, Distinguished Lecture on Engineering and Humanity by Dr. Claude Steele
- A list of anti-racism resources: Education on the history of inequities that have marginalized Black people
- Building Community Safety: Practical Steps Toward Liberatory Transformation, by Ejeris Dixon
- Addressing Law Enforcement Violence as a Public Health Issue, American Public Health policy statement
- Resources to Challenge Policing and Incarceration as Part of a COVID-19 Response, by Human Impact Partners with End Police Violence Collective and Community Justice Exchange
- Video on invest/divest strategies from Law for Black Lives
Resources and readings on how COVID-19 is impacting African American communities:
- The Racial Time Bomb in the COVID-19 Crisis
- Why Don’t We Know Who the Coronavirus Victims Are?
- Data on the Race of Coronavirus Victims is Inconsistent. Rep. Ayanna Pressley Wants to Change That
- Council on Black Health – What Coronavirus Means for Black Communities
- Social Distancing is a Privilege
- Poverty is the Virus that Puts Us at COVID-19 Risk
- US Government is Urged to Release Race, Ethnicity Data on COVID-19 Cases
- The Racial Time Bomb in the COVID-19 Crisis
- COVID-19: Black Churches Employ Innovation to Worship During a Pandemic
- COVID-19 Deaths Concentrated in Milwaukee’s African American Community
- As Usual: Black Folks on the Frontlines of Fight Against COVID-19
- High Case Count Among Black Residents in Mecklenburg a ‘Major Problem,’ Some Leaders Say
- Black Businesses Left Behind in COVID-19 Relief
- COVID-19 in Philly: More Blacks are Testing Positive, City Officials Say
- Md. Lawmakers Urge Release of COVID-19 Racial Data After It Hits Minority-Heavy Areas Hard
- Some Doctors Say Black Communities in Danger of Being Left Out of COVID-19 Testing
Fundraising websites for organizations and families:
- Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
- In Memory of Tony McDade
- Black Visions Collective
- Reclaim the Block
- Local bail funds
- I Run With Maud
For members of the Penn State community who are fearful, hurting, heart-broken or weary, please know that there are resources and people here to assist you.
- Center for Counseling and Psychological Services: 814-863-0395
Individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and evaluations - Multicultural Resource Center: 814-865-1773
Individual counseling and educational services for undergraduate multicultural students at University Park
For those who wish to learn more about the issues:
And for students and others who believe they have been a victim of discrimination or bias, contact the following offices to report the issue:
- Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity: 814-865-5906
- Report Bias
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs: 814-865-0909
- Affirmative Action Office: 814-863-0471
Additionally, anyone who wishes to file an anonymous report may call the 24-hour Penn State Hotline at 800-560-1637 or report online at hotline.psu.edu.
