News Archive

Words and actions are powerful.  During the pandemic and now during the uprisings, I have heard over and again, people want things to go back to normal.  I have to ask, normal for whom?  Many members of our community, including myself deal with racism, bigotry, and prejudice, every day of our lives.  That is our normal.  Couple that with the disproportionately devastating impact COVID-19 is having on different populations, the issues of racial disparity, inequities, power dynamics, and privilege in our society are glaringly undeniable.  The recent killings and racial injustices are not new issues.  But when is enough, enough?  Even one loss of life and inequitable incident is one too many.  We have members of our community who are grieving, angry, and pushed to the edge to say the least. 

The law school has a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is why this office was created.  One focus for this office is to work diligently to create a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive space for all who are part of the IU McKinney community, whether it is the students, faculty, staff, alumni, or visitors.  Many of the initiatives we have implemented and are continuing to create are a direct result of feedback we receive from our students.  We support the members of our community, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, and want to provide a space, a voice, and action.  Not just IU McKinney, but the entire IU system has a commitment to denounce racism, discrimination, and harassment.  To the black members of our community, we see and hear you.  The Office of Diversity & Inclusion stand in solidarity with you, along with others who have issued statements of support:  President Michael A. McRobbie, Chancellor Nassar Paydar, Dr. James Wimbush, Deans Andrew Klein, Vice Dean Karen Bravo, BLSA, SBA, HLS, UPnGO, to name a few.

In response to the uprisings, the history of violence towards members of our black community, and this statement, you may ask yourself, “what does this have to do with me?”  The answer is it has everything to do with all of us.  We are all contributors to what is happening in our nation.  There is so much dividing our society.  I go between being dismayed and hopeful in what I have seen and heard in the media, social media, and various conversations.  Please do not let the violence and destruction distract you from the root reason these uprisings are happening and the reason movements such as Black Lives Matter must exist.  To paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., an injustice to one is an injustice to all.   

As an institution that trains members of the legal profession and future leaders, we all have a responsibility to be part of moving social change forward.  I am a firm believer that through crisis comes opportunity.   Instead of continuing to be contributors to the problem, let’s all be part of the solution.  This is an opportunity to show up to make real positive change, to come together, to have the long overdue difficult conversations in a respectful manner, to actively listen, to be curious, and to learn from each other.  Move from words to actions to support transformative policies through the law and other means.

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion is continuing to plan events and trainings.  In the meantime, below is a list of some information, far from an exhaustive list, to help us be part of the solution.  Please keep in mind, this is also a part of professional and personal development.  It is ongoing, active learning, not a one and done.  This will contribute to making you a better lawyer.  We are trained to see shades of gray; to look at all aspects of the issue while advocating for our clients, making laws that impact our society, providing a voice for members of our communities.  The society we serve demand our understanding, empathy, and advocacy. 

• There is a lot of information out there, including misinformation.  As you do your research, please vet your sources and consider all sides.  Context and perspective are extremely important.
• Expand your circle.  Seek perspectives from people who have different backgrounds and experiences to you.  Actively listen, without judgment.  
• We all have implicit biases.  To help overcome them, we need to recognize what our implicit biases are.  Take time to do some self-reflection.  Take implicit bias tests.  Many people find Harvard's Project Implicit helpful. 
• Learn to recognize a microaggression.  Here is a quick video.
• Support local organizations that are working to make a positive impact in your communities, such as Kheprw Institute.
• Learn what the Black Lives Matter movement is, why it exists and the work they are doing.
• This article lists many links and resources:  How to Support the Struggle Against Police Brutality
• Our communities need allies, not saviors.  Guide to Allyship
• Student Incident Reporting to report an incident on campus.
• Wellness, mental health, and self-care are crucial.  Please remember there are a lot of resources available if needed, such as JLAP. IU Indianapolis maintains a webpage, Help me R.O.A.R., with links to other campus and community resources.

One Community - Unlimited Opportunity... We are IU McKinney!    

Patricia K. Kinney, Esq.

Assistant Dean of Diversity & Inclusion