The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) and University Relations (UR) have developed the following guiding principles to support University communicators when there is a call for public statements, email messages, or other messages. Providing resources and support in timely ways demonstrates that you are considering the needs of your communities and working to provide meaningful leadership and transparent communication. However, it is important to navigate these situations carefully to avoid further harm to communities, communication that conflicts with University values, or actions that fail to anticipate impacts to other parts of the University System.
The steps below will help you as you consider which response is right for your situation.
- Check in with your unit communicator, OED and/or UR to get perspective on the University’s position on the issue and previous or planned communications about it
- Identify who is requesting a statement and in what ways you are connected to them
- Think about how any response will tie to the University’s mission and your unit’s stated values
- Think about how a response will affect your campus, college or unit
- Consider whether a response is necessary or appropriate
- Identify the impacted communities and how you will consult with them
- Identify how you will deliver the message, and how you will respond to feedback or pushback
Resources
- Office for Equity and Diversity Education Program and Resources
- Office for Equity and Diversity Certificate Program
- Digital Accessibility Badging Program
- Accessibility of Information Technology Policy
- Accessible U
- Diversity Community of Practice
- Communicators Forum
- ADA Guidelines for Writing About People With Disabilities