We are back with the second round of answers to our previous Question of the Week! The Student Movement is grateful for all the answers received. For those who missed it, the question was:
It has been almost two years since the Office of Diversity and Inclusion was closed, and instead, an “Assistant to the President for Mission and Culture” has been appointed. Do you believe this decision has changed how the Andrews community defines and supports diversity, and if so, how?
The two faces of the question were apparent as we read your responses. On one side, some students have felt the loss and absence of an individual dedicated exclusively to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Karis Lyons (senior, digital communications) told us that she previously knew who filled the position. She said, “I saw them actively amongst students and knew where to locate their office. Now, [...] I don't even really know the person in the position. I don't actively see them around. I don't know where to find their office, should I need it, besides the general idea of starting in the admin building.” With the change, she feels that “this new position is ‘for the president,’ whereas the previous position was for the students and everyone in general.”
On an additional note, RaeAnne Prentice (sophomore, psychology) comments on the downsides of combining both diversity and inclusion under one role: “When we combine things, sometimes other aspects then become overlooked.”
On the other side of the discussion, we have people who felt this decision brought better results for the campus, as a doctoral student in psychology mentioned in one answer, saying that “this decision helps to create a more Christ-centered culture across Andrews' campus, and promotes greater unity through cultural appreciation that ultimately keeps God at its core.”
Another student, a freshman majoring in psychology, perceives that Andrews University is already good at being diverse. This student comments, “I kind of don't see why having an office for something Andrews is naturally good at is needed.”
Thank you so much to all the respondents. We now look forward to your insights into this week’s question, one that might be closer to your daily routine:
Have the new AU regulations on AI affected you, your classes, or your work environment? Do you see yourself relying more on AI now that some of its functions are permitted on campus?
As always, you can send your answers to this Google Form and share the question with fellow AU community members. Let’s foster a space of civil discussion and output of ideas.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.