Douglas is pleased with WPI’s commitment to PI. “I know many universities prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI),” she says, “but I have never seen a university take on DEI initiatives in such a comprehensive manner as WPI is with PI.” Douglas says WPI’s unified approach makes things happen. “It’s amazing to see how open everyone is to moving the needle in the direction of creating a more diverse and inclusive community,” she says. “It’s inspiring.”
Year 2 of PI brings the committee a new set of tasks. “Project Inclusion is a multi-year project, so each year addresses a new area of campus life,” says Douglas. “In Year 2, we are focused on administrative leadership and curriculum. We are also taking the findings from Year 1 and working with Management Council members to implement changes that move the campus closer to being competent in DEI.”
As co-chair, she enjoys the opportunity to work with and learn from others who are skilled with DEI initiatives. “It provides an opportunity for everyone to engage with this work in a meaningful way,” she says, “to share ideas, values, resources, and to get to know each other better … which can only bring the campus closer together and to send a unified message that everyone is welcome and will be supported at WPI.”