UVAFinance Inclusive Excellence Update

The UVAFinance Inclusive Excellence (IE) Advisory Group has hosted four “Sprint discussions” where we’ve discussed many issues related to racism, including microaggressions, police brutality, protests, and covert forms of white supremacy, one of which is the concept of “colorblindness” when it comes to race.

In the Sprint on Thursday, 8/27, we will take a closer look at and discuss why colorblindness, while it may seem like a goal we want to achieve, actually denies and obscure the existence of racism. 

Participation in the discussions has much higher than originally anticipated, with 40-50 signing into zoom and engaging with colleagues on these very important topics. The feedback has been great as well, with individuals recommending topics and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to have difficult conversations in a safe and brave space and learn from each other. The discussion on Thursday, August 27 will begin at 4:00.  

Members of UVAFinance can lick here to join:  https://virginia.zoom.us/j/92514435680

On Thursday, August 20, the IE Advisory Group hosted a meeting to discuss the book Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and his Slaves by Henry Wiencek. About 30 colleagues participated in what was an interesting discussion. 

If you are interested in reading this book, please contact Patty Marbury, pam5w@virginia.edu. There are a couple of copies available for lending.

The UVAFinance IE Advisory group includes: Patty Marbury, Melody Bianchetto, Jen Bari, Jack King, Steve Kimata, ToShun Campbell, Raegan Harouff, Anne Marie Cumiskey, Mohammed AlKaisy, and LaVerne Harris.

 Please reach out to any member of the group with questions.