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People with hands together

Supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

St. Thomas is committed to providing a safe and supportive place for our students to live, learn and grow. It is our belief that we need diversity in order to have excellence. We embody our beliefs and they anchor our commitment to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all. We respect and value the pluralism of our »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ and we require that everyone here does the same. That starts with anti-bias training for all faculty, students and staff, but it doesn’t stop there. We have the heart, grit and resources (including our Intercultural Center) to make our campus, and world, better for everyone.

Resources Supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Black Faculty & Staff Alliance

The Black Faculty & Staff Alliance is focused on the recruitment, retention, learning, and advancement of Black faculty and staff at the university. (Best for: faculty and staff)

Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows

This cohort program is designed to address barriers to success facing Black male students with high financial need, with a preference to first-generation »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ students. It includes scholarship aid as well as mentorship, leadership development, and other supports. (Best for: undergrads)

Diversifying Minnesota's Teacher Workforce

The »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ of Education offers multiple programs that provide affordable and flexible pathways for prospective teachers of color to choose a career in education. (Best for: undergrads, grad students)

Diversity Activities Board

Organizes student-led events and activities in the areas of social justice, diversity, and inclusion. (Best for: undergrads)

Enlace

The mission of Enlace is to develop a network of faculty and staff within the St. Thomas »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ to promote the cultural diversity and professional development of its members, thereby creating a supportive environment for the Latinx »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ and contributing to the success of St. Thomas’s mission. (Best for: faculty and staff)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence Award

A one million-dollar, five-year grant to change the culture of our teaching, learning, and governance within science and math education. (Best for: undergrads, faculty)

Inclusive Classroom Institute

Offers opportunities to build awareness, gain understanding, and implement new pedagogical strategies to improve the learning climate for all students. (Best for: faculty)

Interprofessional Center

Students from the university's schools of Law, Professional Psychology and Social Work advance social justice by providing professional services for underserved individuals and communities. (Best for: undergrads, grad students, faculty, staff)

National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD)

Provides support to enhance scholarly productivity and promote success for university professors with a specific focus on supporting faculty of color in predominantly white institutions. (Best for: faculty)

Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Provides leadership for building a more diverse, welcoming and inclusive »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ at St. Thomas. (Best for: undergrads, grad students, faculty, staff)

Racial Justice Initiative

Facilitates research, explores opportunities for »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ engagement, and sponsors critical conversations focused on history, race, and obstacles to progress. (Best for undergrads, grad students, faculty, staff)

Scholarships for Future Students

Multiple scholarship opportunities including several full-tuition scholarships. (Best for: undergrads)

Student Clubs

Builds networks of support through student-led groups promoting cultural awareness and dialogue. Search for one that matches your interest. (Best for: undergrads)

ThreeSixty Journalism

Inspires and teaches diverse Minnesota high school students to use multimedia storytelling to share the stores of their lives and communities. (Best for: high school students)

Working for Justice

Through the Center for the Common Good, engages the »Æ¹ÏÊÓƵ in opportunities to take action. (Best for: undergrads, grad students, faculty, staff)

Racism Stops with me

Action Plan to Combat Racism

Created in November 2018, the Action Plan to Combat Racism outlines a series of short- and long- term actions St. Thomas has committed to in its on-going efforts to combat racism. The plan addresses four broad areas:

  • Support and stand with our students of color
  • Teach, research and live inclusive excellence
  • Send a clear message about our convictions
  • Become a more diverse university

Anti-Racism actions and updates are shared on the (login required). Public news related to the plan is and shown below.

Read the PDF of the Action Plan to Combat Racism