Duquesne University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Duquesne University is motivated by its Catholic identity and values equality of opportunity, human, dignity, racial, cultural and ethnic diversity, both as an educational institution and as an employer.

Accordingly, the University prohibits and does not engage in discrimination or harassment on the basis of a person's race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic history, Veteran status, or disability. Duquesne University will continue to take affirmative steps to support and advance these values consistent with the University's mission statement.

This policy applies to all program and activities of the University, including, but not limited to, admission and employment practices, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic or other University-sponsored programs.

This is a commitment by the University in accordance with its religious values and applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Nothing herein, however, should be interpreted as a waiver by the University of its own Constitutional and legal rights based upon its religious affiliation.

Please find more information here: https://www.duq.edu/admission-and-aid/accrediation/index.php

Find more information regarding gender discrimination policies here: https://www.duq.edu/work-at-du/human-resources-home/the-administrative-policies-(taps)/31-sexual-misconduct-and-gender-discrimination

Duquesne University is an educational institution founded by the members of the Spiritan Congregation. Consistent with its mission, Duquesne is committed to creating an atmosphere free from discrimination and to fostering an inclusive campus environment for all members of the University community. Accordingly, Duquesne's Bias Education Response Team (BERT) is a multidisciplinary team that was founded to educate the campus community, to monitor and report on trends, and to address bias incidents through restorative practices.

Bias Incidents
The Bias Education Response Team (BERT) is available to assist individuals who have concerns about bias incidents. Bias incidents are conscious or unconscious actions committed against a person or group that impacts that person or group on the basis of that person or group's race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic history, Veteran status, disability (visible or invisible), and/or any other category or characteristic otherwise protected by state or federal law.

Reporting a Bias Incident
Reports regarding bias incidents may be made using BERT's online reporting form. A reporter may choose to make an anonymous report.

However, BERT's ability to provide support and resources may be limited without knowing the reporter's name.

After a Report is Received
When BERT receives a report about a bias incident, BERT will meet with the reporting person or group, as well as any other impacted individuals, to listen to their concerns and help to identify potential resources, options, and restorative support.

BERT may meet with the person(s) about whom the report is made, with their consent, to listen to their concerns and help to identify potential resources, options, and restorative support. BERT may also connect the person(s) about whom the report is made with educational opportunities.

Restorative support will be provided on an ongoing basis, as needed.

Educational and Supportive Resources
-BERT serves as an educational and supportive resource to the University's community.
-BERT does not conduct investigations or impose discipline.
-BERT is not a sanctioning body and does not determine or implement sanctions or consequences.
-BERT will monitor reporting trends and may recommend responsive and educational programming to some or all of the University's community.

https://www.duq.edu/social-impact/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/bias-education-response-team/index.php

Bridge To College Program
In collaboration with the Admissions Department, the Annual Bridge To College Program invites local area high school students in to provide a glimpse into life as a potential member of the Duquesne University Community. Interactive sessions with current students, faculty members and senior leadership members are included in the event schedule.

The Office of Human Resources also has a Diversity Recruiting Plan that outlines their actions in the same space. For student recruitment, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion works with the Office of Admissions on a handful of events including the Bridge To College Program for specific recruitment of students from underrepresented groups. For Faculty and Staff recruitment, the Office of Human Resources publishes a number of tools to help managers find and recruit diverse candidates. This toolbox is located on the Duquesne University Intranet (DORI).

The Duquesne University Faculty Senate has a number of Subcommittees dedicated to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion as it relates to LGBQTIA+, Race & Ethnicity, and Women's Issues. These committees include recruiting Faculty & Administrative positions.

1. Duquesne University is offering virtual and in-person support group meetings for all Duquesne students, faculty, and staff to provide spaces where we can support each other, learn coping skills and gain insight as we all navigate stressful and uncertain cultural times.
For students:
-LGBTQIA+ Support Group Students
-Student Study Skills Group
-Stress Management Seminar Series
-International Student Support Group
-The Village: Where Duquesne African American Students can Express their Emotional -Needs and Receive Support
-Asian American and Pacific Islander ( AAPI) Student Support Group
-The Well: Student Support Group
-RISE: Support group for students who has family, friends, or loved ones battling substance use disorders or have lost loved ones to the disease

2. The Minority Development Internship Program was created to provide employment opportunities to unemployed or underemployed college-educated minorities through compensated, full-time temporary employment. The program launched in fall of 2007 with the selection of two interns. We now have five fully funded positions.

3. In October 2014, the Greater Pittsburgh Higher Education Diversity Consortium (GPHEDC) was formed to better assist and develop a robust investment on the critical issues impacting diversity and inclusion in higher education throughout the Pittsburgh region. Housed in the Office of Diversity Inclusion at Duquesne University, the consortium is focused on sharing best practices, resources, and promoting activities that cultivate professional development, leadership development and student success at a variety of higher education institutions. The Greater Pittsburgh Higher Education Diversity Consortium (GPHEDC) is dedicated to guiding and facilitating transformative change to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in support of academic excellence and educational opportunities at colleges and universities in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Duquesne University is proud to host a chapter of GPHEDC on campus.

Duquesne University also hosts the Minority Professional Development Leadership Program (MPDLP) for staff. The Office of Human Resources houses Employee Relations and Anti-Discrimination staff to ensure that employees can report and find solutions for discrimination or conflicts.