Emporia State held an open forum with Deanna Williams, the first of two finalists for the director of diversity student programs position, last Thursday. The event was open to all students and staff and consisted of a presentation given by Williams.

Williams is currently the program assistant to the Department of Service, Diversity and Social Justice and graduate assistant of the admissions office at Fontbonne University. in St. Louis, Missouri. Williams’ presentation consisted of introducing herself and informing the audience on diversity and

inclusion.

“Diversion and inclusion initiatives must start at the top administration,” Williams said. “There has to be a president that buys in, a vice provost that understands that we need this position, and we need to hear student voices and that we need systematic changes.”

Elijah Williams, junior political science and economics major, attended the presentation.

“I think patience is a really big key to the position, especially when you’re new to the university overall,” Williams said.

Jason Bosch, director of the Memorial Union and student involvement, said the position should go to someone that can relate well to students.

“Particularly when it comes to issues of diversity and inclusion and to be able to work with student organizations on campus to put effective programs into place,” Bosch said.

Jason Brooks, assistant dean of students, said Williams’ presentation had a lot of good information and raised a lot of points about diversity and

inclusion.

Williams talked about the number of minorities on ESU’s campus and why ESU needs to work harder on making our campus more diverse, which is something Brooks said is very important. 

“I thought it was very insightful, very informational,” Brooks said. “What I really loved about it was that she wasn’t afraid to put a mirror on Emporia State as well… We need to be able to do a lot of self-reflecting, and I think she did a phenomenal job to paint the picture of, not only activism, but also social justice and their

importance.”

Williams said she wants ESU to think about Ferguson, the University of Oklahoma racist fraternity bus incident, Missouri State’s student protests and all other events involving discrimination as real and important events. Williams said she understands, however, that these may be hard topics for some to talk about.

“I know diversion and inclusion is a touchy subject, but I hope my presentation has helped you think inclusion, diversity, social justice and activism is important,” Williams said.