Miami University is the latest institution to join the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, a coalition where CEOs and presidents of corporations, businesses and nonprofits share strategies to increase inclusion and diversity in the workplace.
The organization, which was created by 175 CEOs and launched a month ago, claims it already has attracted more than 100 additional CEOS and presidents from the business sector who have taken the pledge.
Dr. Greg Crawford is president of Miami University.Miami joins other higher education institutions such as Alliant International University, University of Maryland at Baltimore County, University of San Francisco and Pennsylvania State University in taking the pledge. By agreeing to this pledge, Miami University, located in Oxford, Ohio, promises to create a workplace where various perspectives are welcomed and faculty members are encouraged to talk about diversity and inclusion.
The CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion requires presidents to commit to cultivating workplaces that support open dialogue on complex, and sometimes difficult, conversations about diversity and inclusion; implementing and expanding unconscious bias education; and sharing best known and unsuccessful actions, according to its website.
“Diversity has always been at the heart of Miami’s identity, enshrined in our Code of Love and Honor and celebrated in our alma mater,” said Miami University President Dr. Greg Crawford. “CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion gives us an opportunity to declare our values, accelerate our drive for inclusive excellence, and partner with others who share our goals and aspirations. We will learn best practices — and avoid repeating mistakes — from others’ workplace experiences that encourage conversation about diversity and overcome unconscious bias.”
Miami officials said that Crawford has advocated for this initiative on and off campus by encouraging numerous programs, such as “Dear World” which honors diverse individuals and their experiences.
Miami University has submitted three ongoing actions: Recruiting diverse faculty, fostering communities of support and using technology to create an inclusive and accessible environment. Miami administration and faculty expect these ongoing initiatives to continue to grow.
The CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion represents approximately 70 industries around the nation and is led by a committee of leaders from PwC, Accenture, BCG, Procter & Gamble, Deloitte U.S., The Executive Leadership Council, EY, New York Life, KPMG, and General Atlantic, according to Miami University News.
But how does this pledge and initiative encourage Miami students to get more involved in diversity awareness?
“It alerts our students to the values and expectations of the workplaces they will enter,” Crawford said.
“Their participation in diversity opportunities at Miami not only enriches their personal lives but equips them for sought-after skills and qualities in their careers.”
