January 31, 2018 – Virginia State University (VSU) establishes its first university-wide diversity and inclusion initiative. It will serve as a blueprint for creating a more inclusive campus culture.

VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah has assembled his Advisory Board for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning Intersex Ally+ (LGBTQIA+) Inclusion to investigate ways for the institution to be a more affirming learning environment for all students, faculty and staff within the LGBTQIA+ community. A LGBTQIA+ Diversity and Inclusion Working Group has been established to develop a comprehensive living document for VSU. The group is comprised of students, faculty, staff and community leaders.

The University’s diversity and inclusion efforts include the following:

· Creating a diversity and inclusion map of all safe zone areas and gender inclusive bathrooms;
· Installing gender inclusive restrooms;
· Improving the University’s campus pride index rating;
· LGBTQIA+ 101 and safe zone training for all faculty and staff; and
· Creating a review process of all university documents to ensure LGBTQIA+ culturally competent language.

“The University understands the importance of generating a diverse and inclusive campus atmosphere for all students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Letizia Gambrell-Boone, vice president of Student Success and Engagement. “Our mission is to foster a campus where all Trojans are granted the pursuit of a quality education in a safe learning environment.”

For more information, contact Ms. Chevelle Moss-Savage, program administrator for Diversity and Inclusion, at cmoss-savage@vsu.edu or call (804) 524- 3637.