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Seton Hall University

Institutional Statements Approved for DEI and Academic Freedom Beyond the Classroom  

Seton Hall Students Walking on Campus Seton Hall's Board of Trustees' gave final approval on Friday, January 21, to two University-wide institutional statements: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Academic Freedom Beyond the Classroom.

This approval follows in-depth presentations made in December 2021 to the Board of Regents on draft statements that were developed for these high-priority strategic action items grounded in the University's Catholic mission.

Prior to being presented to the Board of Regents, both statements had been unanimously endorsed by the Executive Cabinet and the Board's related committees. Regents voted unanimously to recommend these statements to the Board of Trustees.

Products of shared governance, the statements were developed by representative committees with membership from across the University as part of iterative processes.

Development of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement was led by Vice President Reverend Colin Kay, Vice President Monica Burnette and Special Advisor to the Provost Jonathan Farina and the rest of the drafting committee.

The Academic Freedom Beyond the Classroom Institutional Statement was drafted by members of the ad hoc committee, appointed by Provost Katia Passerini, and led by Professor Deirdre Yates and Rector/Dean Msgr. Joseph Reilly.

"These statements were made stronger at every step of the drafting process because of the robust and helpful feedback received from the University community at-large," said Michele L. Nelson, vice president for board affairs and University strategy.

"They affirm Seton Hall's commitment to inclusion, inquiry, robust dialogue and academic freedom as are called for and grounded in our Catholic educational mission."

Categories: Campus Life

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