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Planning is underway for a new LGBTQIA+ Steering Committee that will lead efforts to support equality, inclusion and civil rights protections across the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community.

During an October event, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Clyde Wilson Pickett announced that Todd Reeser of the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and Angie Bedford-Jack of the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) have been asked to co-chair the new committee, which will provide advice and counsel to Chancellor Joan Gabel and senior administrators.

Reeser is the Dietrich School’s associate dean for faculty affairs and a professor of French and Italian with a secondary appointment in 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies program. Bedford-Jack is interim director of strategic operations and director of digital equity and special projects in OEDI.

The steering committee will organize a central advisory board of faculty, staff and students to share, report, learn and assess opportunities to improve the climate and culture for the LGBTQIA+ community at 51��Ʒ��Ƶ, Pickett said.

“While the University is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, we know there remains significant work to be done,” he said. “We are hopeful that through the work of this committee we can make more substantive progress to realize the promise of 51��Ʒ��Ƶ for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

The co-chairs have been tasked with pulling together a committee that represents all members of the community, including LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff, alumni and students. Meetings are currently being scheduled with departments, offices and units.