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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week

A series of events across the University last week marked the inaugural OU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Week. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to reflect on how the University can continue working toward creating and sustaining a more inclusive culture.

Check out some of the highlights from events on the Norman, Health Sciences Center and Tulsa campuses.

Martin Luther King Jr. March

Students, faculty, staff and community members marched in unity to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The march began at Evans Hall and proceeded to the South Oval where community members heard from students and administrators, who reflected on Dr. King’s legacy.

Large sign at MLK March 2020
Miss Indian OU speaks at the MLK March
Attendees at the MLK March
Group of marchers at MLK March 2020
Attendees at the MLK March
President Harroz shakes hands with a student

41st Annual Tulsa MLK Day Parade

More than 50 OU-Tulsa students, faculty and staff represented the University in Tulsa’s annual MLK Day Parade. 

Marchers pose with banner at the Tulsa MLK March 2020
Marchers at the Tulsa MLK March 2020
Marchers carry a banner at the Tulsa MLK March 2020

Dedication of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

The OU community gathered in Copeland Hall to celebrate a new space for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion – a welcoming place for students, faculty and staff that will serve as the gateway for belonging at OU. 

Group photo in the new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Hyppolite speaks at the dedication ceremony
Interim President Harroz speaks at the dedication ceremony
Ribbon cutting at the dedication ceremony
table with stickers at Equity is Intersectional event

Health Sciences Center: Equity is Intersectional

This event, held at the HSC Student Union, featured an interactive activity that allowed participants of various backgrounds to visualize the intersection of all their respective identities.

Dedication of the Gender + Equality Center 

A dedication ceremony was held to celebrate the new location of OU’s Gender + Equality Center, now located on the second level of Oklahoma Memorial Union across from Beaird Lounge. 

Attendees at the Gender and Equality center dedication
Attendees at the Gender and Equality center dedication
Ribbon cutting at the Gender and Equality dedication
Attendee at the Gender and Equality dedication

Reception Welcoming Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite

Interim President Harroz invited the OU community to a reception at Boyd House, held in honor of Dr. Belinda Higgs Hyppolite, who recently joined OU as vice president of diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer. 

Attendees at the welcome reception
Dr. Hyppolite at the welcome reception
Attendees at the welcome reception
Attendees at the welcome reception
Attendees at the welcome reception
Attendees at the HSC workshop

Health Sciences Center: An Immigration Curriculum for Our Times

In this workshop, Mark Kuczewski, Ph.D., HEC-C, discussed basic skills, knowledge and strategies to guide healthcare professionals in their interactions with immigrant patients.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Featuring Dr. Bernice King

Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and chief executive officer of The King Center, was the keynote speaker at the OU Health Sciences Center’s 2020 Martin L. King Jr. Celebration, presented by the OU HSC African American Student Association.

Dr. Bernice King speaks at the celebration
Provost Sanders, Dr. Bernice King and Interim President Harroz

Article Published: Wednesday, January 29, 2020