Following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the recent shooting of Jacob Blake at the hands of police, CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison announced the launch of a Campus Action Plan for Improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Black Students, Faculty and Staff.

“During this pivotal time in our nation, this 10-point Campus Action Plan focuses on improving the climate for our Black students, faculty and staff, in furtherance of our value of respect for all people and our campus priority of diversity and inclusion,” Harrison said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to CSUN’s mission to enable students to realize their educational goals and to promote their welfare and intellectual progress.”

The Campus Action Plan was developed by the President’s Cabinet, in coordination with the Commission on Diversity & Inclusion and with input from the campus community. Fostering diversity and inclusive excellence is one of CSUN’s eight planning priorities. The university plans on developing specific Campus Action Plans when there is need to identify measures to be taken when addressing an element of CSUN’s overarching diversity, equity and inclusion plans.

“This plan aims to create a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all, setting the stage for us to recruit, retain and graduate a diverse student body and recruit, retain and promote a diverse workforce,” said Natalie Mason-Kinsey, CSUN’s Chief Diversity Officer and Co-Chair of the CSUN Commission on Diversity & Inclusion. “We want to actively engage the rich background and diverse talents of university faculty, staff and students to propel CSUN forward and achieve inclusive excellence.”

On Aug. 14, Harrison outlined the numerous efforts across the CSUN campus community to respond to the continued violence faced by Black Americans.

“I am committed to ensuring that CSUN is part of the solution to the challenges our nation is facing,” Harrison said. “Continued dialogue and peaceful protest are inarguable rights and important tools for social change. The terrible violence perpetrated against those exercising these rights is inexcusable.”

Working groups will be established to move each of the action items forward, providing progress reports by the end of this academic year, Harrison said.

Click here to read the message from CSUN President Harrison including the text of the full Campus Action Plan for Improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Black Students, Faculty and Staff.