What is J.E.D.I?
By Maddie Little
The Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) office began formally in January 2021.
Mission: The J.E.D.I. office works to ensure that teaching, service, and research in the College of Education are grounded in equitable and humanizing perspectives with the aim of preparing socially-responsible teachers and professionals. We seek to become actively informed while advocating for communities that face discrimination in schools, workplaces, and society.
Our goals include:
- supporting the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse COE community;
- sustaining an inclusive and equitable college climate; and
- promoting critical scholarship, teaching, research, and service.
Highlights:
In Spring 2023, the J.E.D.I. office will support the Division of Education and Leadership by organizing professional development to help faculty and students learn to navigate and understand their rights, resources, and legal protections while practicing critical pedagogy in the dichotomous political climate. They are also planning several activities in honor of Asian and Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
For students looking to engage with the J.E.D.I. office, they now offer a J.E.D.I. internship program funded for winter and spring terms by the Center for Professional Pathways and the WOU Community Internship Program. Fowzia Abdi, a junior business major, is our inaugural intern this year. They are currently looking for students to join them in a community art project. Students can be a part of a committee who will generate inspiration for a new mural for the RWEC building.
Students who would like to attend professional development, be a part of the community art project, or simply learn how to connect with the J.E.D.I. office can email Jaclyn Caires-Hurley at caireshurleyj@mail.wou.edu.
Website: https://wou.edu/education/jedi/
Instagram: @WOU_JEDI_Project
