The intent of this monthly update is to share the latest thinking about DEI at Tuck, actions we are taking to create change, and the many ways that Tuck community members can engage with topics of diversity and inclusion. Here we will share developments to key initiatives and programs, new curricular and co-curricular offerings, student-led creations and events, and news from faculty, staff and alumni.
DEI is a strategic priority for our school, as evidenced by the creation of the new leadership role, assistant dean for DEI—a position that I am honored to hold and be the first appointment to. I am more excited, inspired, and driven than ever to help Tuck the institution and Tuck the community realize its potential to lead change in the world by starting in our own house.
Wise leaders build diverse teams and create inclusive environments. They lead high-performing organizations by cultivating a culture that is safe for honest dialogue, respectful debate, and transformative discussion. That work begins here, with us.
Below are a few things that we’ve been working on and resources I’ve found helpful or thought-provoking recently.
Wishing you well,
Dia
Dia Draper (she/her)
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Many Voices. One Tuck.
There is a lot to draw inspiration from in our community. Each month, I’ll share one example of DEI momentum that I find energizing. This month’s example is thanks to our dean, Matt Slaughter. I snuck into the back of Dean Slaughter’s Leadership in the Global Economy (LGE) class on November 5 to observe his session with William “Sandy” Darity. Darity is a distinguished Professor of Public Policy at Duke University and is widely regarded as one of the leading experts on the economic causes and consequences of racism in America. The topic for class that day: reparations for Black Americans. Professor Darity shared his wisdom after Matt and the LGE students lit up the class discussing the case for reparations in a smart, illuminating, tension-filled debate. Watching this class, knowing the courage it took for Matt and the students to broach a sensitive topic made me proud and more convinced than ever that we need this kind of dialogue in business schools.
“The business case for diversity in the workplace is now overwhelming,” from the World Economic Forum is a data-packed but super interesting read about the business case for diversity.
In October’s joint leadership statement, we articulated Tuck’s commitment to DEI and our aspiration to be an anti-racist institution. We committed to sharing our strategic plan, transparency via an annual DEI report, and monthly updates to share our progress and encourage your ideas and engagement.
The incredibly smart and talented Stacy Blake-Beard joins Tuck as a Visiting Professor of Business Administration. Professor Blake-Beard will teach Managing Organizations in the spring 2021 term. Her research and expertise bisect the areas of gender, diversity and mentorship. In particular, her work focuses on the challenges and opportunities offered by mentoring relationships, with a focus on how these relationships may be changing as a result of increasing workforce diversity.
The Student Board DEI Co-Chair team is complete! Lia Parker-Belfer T’22 joins Roderick Milligan T’21 as student leaders focused on advancing DEI initiatives around the student experience. Rod and Lia are bringing opportunities for dialogue and connection to the community such as a live chat event with Dartmouth Professor Shamell Bell and the creative team behind the film, The Hate U Give, a small group dinner co-sponsored with WIB and a facilitated discussion on allyship, and the forthcoming launch of “If You Knew Me,” a grassroots podcast dedicated to deepening student connections and fostering a culture of belonging.
As the fall term kicked off in September, we recognized Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month, and in October LGBTQ History Month, National Coming Out Day, Disability Awareness Month, and Indigenous People’s Day. This November, we honor and celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, Diwali, and “Movember,” the global movement to support men’s health.
One of the questions we hear most often from Black and Pan African prospective students is if there are resources for Black hair care in Hanover. In an effort to create a more inclusive and welcoming community that fosters belonging, we are excited to share that Tuck is partnering with Dartmouth’s Office of Pluralism and Leadership to join the effort to bring Black hair care to Hanover. By supporting a local barber as well as bringing a stylist to town monthly, Tuck and Dartmouth are thinking creatively to solve issues important to students, partners, faculty, staff, and their families who want professionals with experience cutting and styling Black, natural, and curly hair.
I recently read a great article in The Atlantic about the history, use, and impact of the phrase “Hey, guys.” Related, a Slate article confirmed that one of the most hotly contested contractions in the English language may be the best gender inclusive greeting of all: “Hey, y’all.”
For more on this topic, check out this video which nicely summarizes alternative greetings that are more inclusive.
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