From: Office of Equity & Inclusion
Date: January 19
Subject: The Office of Equity and Inclusion's IDEA Newsletter!


THE IDEA newsletter JANUARY 2024, ISSUE NO.9
Office of Equity and Inclusion IDEA Newsletter Jan 2023 Issue 3

The IDEA Newsletter!

The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) Newsletter is a monthly newsletter that is designed to curate the diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities, resources, and initiatives that help to improve the campus climate at Loyola. As a hub, the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) strives to become a University-wide resource for diversity, equity, and inclusion with many campus partners.

To read past issues of the IDEA Newsletter, please visit:
https://www.loyola.edu/department/equity-inclusion/about/idea-newsletter

Office of Equity and Inclusion
Updates and Upcoming Events

The 31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III, President Emeritus of UMBC, will deliver Loyola University Maryland’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation address on Wednesday, January 24, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in McGuire Hall East.

"Looking Back to Look Forward 1964-2024" will be moderated by Karsonya Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., founding director of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice and professor of Communication and African and African American Studies at Loyola.The discussion will focus on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and will offer in-depth perspectives on the evolution of voting rights in the United States, the generational impact of Jim and Jane Crow, and the intersections of gender discrimination and racial oppression in higher education.

This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged.

The convocation will also be live-streamed via YouTube, and closed captioning will be provided.

Flyer for MLK Convocation on January 24 6:30pm

New Safe Zone Trainings

Safe Zone at Loyola University Maryland fosters an affirming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans & gender non-conforming, queer, pansexual, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQPIA+) members of the University community and their allies. In support of the University's mission to promote intellectual excellence and ethical leadership in the Jesuit tradition, Safe Zone at Loyola:

  • Cultivates dialogue, understanding, and fellowship among all University community members around LGBTQPIA+ issues and contributions
  • Sponsors designated Safe Zones around campus that offer safety, support, and confidentiality for LGBTQPIA+ students and their allies
  • Offers training to faculty, staff, administrators, and students on how to fully welcome, support, and value LGBTQPIA+ people and perspectives in the University community

Becoming Safe Zone trained at Loyola is a three-step process and sessions should be completed in order.

Session 1: LGBTQPIA+ Awareness:

Session 2: Allyship (must have completed Session 1)

Session 3: Creating LGBTQPIA+ Affirming Spaces (must have completed Sessions 1 & 2)

For more information, please reach out to Rhona Little at rlittle1@loyola.edu.

Restorative Justice Training

Members of the Office of Equity and Inclusion joined the Division for Student Development and other campus partners for a two and a half day Restorative Justice training from January 8-10, 2024.  Facilitated by practitioners from the Center for Restorative Justice at the University of San Diego, this intensive training provided attendees with an understanding of restorative justice principles, introductory facilitation skills, and practical information on how to implement restorative justice at Loyola University Maryland. 

A special thank you to Melissa Lees, Director of the Women's Center, and Dr. Deb Cady Melzer, Vice President for Student Development, for coordinating this incredible event.

A group photo of Loyola staff and administrators

IDEA Resources

Below are links to resources, initiatives, support networks, and campus updates, that help to foster inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility across Loyola. 

Report on Loyola’s Connections to Slavery

On January 17, 2024 members of the Loyola Community joined President Sawyer and the President’s Task Force Examining Loyola’s Connections to Slavery, for a presentation of the final report.

The full text of the report is now available on the Universities Studying Slavery website for all to read.

Over the course of the Spring semester, there will be multiple opportunities to discuss the report, as well as to consider the lasting stain of slavery on our University, greater community, and nation. You will find a list of those events and numerous others that will be offered through the semester on the website.

The information in the report can be difficult and troubling to process, so please give yourself the time and space you might need and seek out additional support.

Please do not hesitate to contact the University Chaplain or the professionals in the Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, ALANA Services, the Office of Residence Life and Housing, or the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Faculty, staff, and administrators can reach out to counselors at KEPRO, Loyola’s Employee Assistance Program, at 1-800-765-0770.

The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice


The Karson Institute provides a scholarly space for professors, students, social justice workers, and activists to come together to research, discuss, debate, and explore answers to America's most urgent questions on inequality, injustice, and racial inequity. Below is a list of the Karson Institute's upcoming events.

January 24th 9am-1pm: MLK Boulder Pop Up Teach In

Join Dr. Kaye and the Karson staff in Boulder Cafe' Atrium as we celebrate the birthday and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and countdown to the MLK Convocation Looking Back to Look Forward.

January 26th 12:30pm-1:30pm: Stone Soup: Exploring the (Peculiar) Soul of Our University

Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, engaging conversations and an enhancing learning experience. Discover the magic of community as we come together to share stories, laughter, and of course, a hearty bowl of stone soup. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow faculty, students, Father Tim and Dr. Kaye as we enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Please visit The Bridge to register.

All events are open to the Loyola, Notre Dame, and Baltimore City communities!

January 24th 9am-1pm: MLK Boulder Pop Up Teach In
January 26th 12:30pm-1:30pm: Stone Soup: Exploring the (Peculiar) Soul of Our University

Loyola Project Screening & Discussion

Please join the Student Athletes for Social Justice for a screening of the Loyola Project, a film about the 1963 Loyola Chicago Men's Basketball Team and how they broke racial barriers and changed college basketball forever.

Friday, January 26, 2024

6 PM – 8:30 PM
McManus Theatre

Following the film will be a discussion with Dr. Nona Storr, a Historian and Loyola Chicago alum, led by Dr. Kaye Whitehead, Director of the Karson Institute. Please visit The Bridge to learn more and register for the event.

Loyola Project Screening Friday, January 26, 2024 6 PM - 8:30 PM McManus Theatre

Julio Fine Arts Gallery: strikeWare Art Exhibit

The Julio Fine Arts Gallery is pleased to host the artist group strikeWare (@xtrikxware) for an exhibition titled Unrested, starting January 16th in the gallery.

strikeWare will introduce attendees to new media and interactive works with a workshop open to the public on January 29th. Attendees will take part in the development of interactive experiences as a way to shape inclusive community practices at Loyola University and in Baltimore, and to connect the community through new media visual art to research and work being done around the University's connection to slavery and its legacies.

The reception & artist talk will be on Thursday, February 15th at 5PM.
For more information, please visit the The Julio Fine Arts Gallery.

Spring 2024 Public Health Campaign:
Suicide Prevention

The Counseling Center is launching their Spring 2024 public health campaign focusing on Suicide Prevention. This semester’s campaign coincides with Loyola’s upcoming and inaugural Fresh Check Day taking place on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 3-5pm in McGuire Hall.

A collaboration between The Counseling Center and Active Minds, Fresh Check Day is an engaging and uplifting event focused on mental health promotion and suicide prevention. The event will feature student-run interactive booths, a festive social atmosphere, and exciting prizes and giveaways. Please spread the word and consider stopping by!

Additional Suicide Prevention campaign-related content and resources can be found here on the Counseling Center's website, on printed and digital signage around campus, and their Instagram page (loyolamd_counselingcenter).

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Ryan Sappington, Coordinator of Public Health and Student-Athlete Mental Health Services.

A poster saying Suicide Prevention is everyone's responsibility

Counseling Center Support Groups


The Counseling Center offers a variety of support groups that provide a place for students to come together to learn new skills, receive support, and share information and resources. Different from therapy groups, support groups provide educational information and facilitate an interactive dialogue among students who are sharing information and providing one another with support. Please see below for a full list of available groups.

Coping Skills: a five-part workshop series focused on teaching and exploring coping skills in a hands-on environment. Sessions focus on developing building block skills to help manage stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and other difficult emotions. The workshop is an open series, allowing you to come to some or all sessions as your schedule allows. Topics include Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. Session(s) are open to anyone but do involve actively practicing the skills during the workshop, with additional suggestions provided that can be used at home. Coping Skills will meet for three straight weeks toward the end of the fall and spring semesters respectively in person at the Counseling Center Humanities 150. For more information contact Lucy Anson at eganson@loyola.edu.

Excel: a support group for students who have a disability or face learning challenges.  Excel provides a space for students to discuss their unique challenges related to virtual learning and find support to navigate learning hurdles.  Students will also be able to share resources, learn stress management skills, and discuss self-care.  Students do not need to be registered with Disability and Accessibility Services to join this group.

Facing Loss: a grief support group that brings together students who have lost a loved one, recently or long ago. This group meets weekly.

Time and Space Trans & Non-Binary Support Group: This weekly therapy support group is for transgender, non-binary, and gender questioning individuals of diverse backgrounds to confidentially discuss aspects of gender and gender identity in a space of mutual support. Sessions will be held in Loyola University Maryland’s Counseling Center, HU 150. Please email Sunny Swift (he/they) at eswift@loyola.edu to sign up.

Men's Group: The Men's Group is for undergraduate and graduate students who identify as men and want a safe, inclusive, and empowering space to connect with and support one another. In addition to various forms of emotional support men can access in a group like this, members have opportunities to strengthen skills around self-awareness, compassion for self and others, and emotional regulation. Interested? Contact Dr. Ryan Sappington at rsappington@loyola.edu.

Resilient Healing: An educational group for students who have experienced some type of trauma. The group will educate members about trauma, practice grounding and mindfulness techniques to help manage symptoms, increase coping skills and resilience, reduce and heal feelings of shame and anger, and provide a safe and supportive environment from which to heal. This group will meet weekly.  Please contact Dr. Kourtney Bennett at kbennett@loyola.edu or Julie Phillips, LCSW-C at japhillips1@loyola.edu with questions or for any additional information.

Understanding Self and Others: a general process group intended to help students improve personal relationships through increased self-awareness, growth, and feedback. It is designed to help students understand and clarify their needs and find healthy ways to get needs met in an interpersonal context. Group participants will learn skills aimed at facing life's challenges, increasing self-esteem, and providing feedback in a safe and confidential group. Please contact the Counseling Center at 410-617-2273 for more information or speak to your individual counselor to express your interest.

Women's Group: Join us for this weekly meeting of women identified graduate and undergraduate students. This group is designed to provide women of various identities opportunities to connect with each other for support, while learning and growing together. Through connection with others, you can learn new coping, relational, and life skills. All women identified students are welcome to do a screening. Please contact Julie Phillips, LCSW-C at japhillips1@loyola.edu for more information.

MAP Navigator Recruitment & Application Process

Are you interested in serving as a Navigator during the Multicultural Awareness Program (MAP) 2024? If so, now is the time to apply! The application is currently open and will close on January 24, 2024 at 12 PM (noon). Complete the application here. Contact Assistant Director Jason Summers at jsummers@loyola.edu with any questions or concerns.

Interested in Being a MAP Navigator? Complete the application here.

The Death of Innocence: A Youth Justice Forum and Fair

Join the Center for Community, Service, and Justice (CCSJ) for Death of Innocence: A Youth Justice Forum and Fair, taking place on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in McGuire Hall.

The event will feature a panel of legal experts and community activists discussing the treatment of youth in American society, the impact of our digital world on children, the intersection of race and class in our youth legal system, and how we can best support the well-being of all young people.

Students who attend will have the opportunity to meet representatives from community and advocacy organizations, explore internship and job opportunities, and take part in a community advocacy action.

Snacks and refreshments will be served during the reception from 7:30 - 8:30 PM. All are invited to attend!

EVENT

Friday Prayers for Muslim Community

Fridays
1:15pm - 2:15pm
CIE Space (3rd Floor Student Center), 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD , 21210, United States
Link
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We invite Loyola’s Muslim community to join us from 1:15-2:15 pm each Friday to join in Jumu’ah (Friday Prayers).
 
Loyola University Maryland Bridge and crosswalk

Campus Highlights and Opportunities

Loyola is host to a variety of activities and events throughout the year, many of which foster engagement and open dialogue surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below are some upcoming events taking place across campus.

EVENT

Apply to be a 2024-25 CCSJ+YRI Student Intern!

Tuesday, January 9 at 12:00am
to Friday, February 23 at 11:55pm
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ATTENTION: RISING SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS AND SENIORS!

CCSJ and the York Road Initiative (YRI) is encouraging you to apply for an internship position with CCSJ+YRI to develop personal and professional skills while learning to connect Loyola with the York Road and greater Baltimore communities. Student interns provide support to Loyola's community partners as well as programmatic needs of CCSJ+YRI and receive professional development as part of the intern program.

Student interns are paid $15/hour and work a maximum of 10 hours per week.

Applications to serve as a student intern for the 2024-25 academic year are due on Friday, February 23rd. We encourage anyone interested in this internship to register on this event and to visit our application process and requirement page at tinyurl.com/ccsjyriappreq for more information.

Please contact Brett Hooper (she/her; Graduate Assistant for Student Leadership & Development) at ccsjstudentleadership@loyola.edu, if you have any questions or comments.
RSVP

EVENT

Cura Sharing Groups - Registration Open Now!

Wednesday, January 17 at 9:00am
to Friday, February 2 at 11:55pm
Private Location (sign in to display)
Link
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Join a Cura community to build deep friendships with whom you reflect, share, and grow together! At Cura, you will you will Experience Empathy, Build Community, and Explore Spirituality by discussing topics that are relevant to your lives and exploring different methods of spirituality and mindfulness. Groups include 5-10 participants and are led by 1-2 student leaders. We offer both general groups and affinity spaces for students with shared identities.

Cura sharing groups derive their name from the Jesuit value cura personalis, “care for the whole person.” We in Campus Ministry like to interpret this value as care for the individual, as an individual—with all the experiences, identities, and complications that come along with being human. Cura offers an avenue of connection, so that we can provide for each other the kind of love and care that can only come from being in community.
RSVP

EVENT

Welcome Back! Hot Cocoa Social

Friday, January 19
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Private Location (sign in to display)
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Welcome back to campus! The Women's Center invites you to join us for a hot cocoa social to start off the spring semester! Stop by to warm up, make new friends, and hear about some of our upcoming events.
RSVP

EVENT

Cardinal O'Connor Conference for Life

Saturday, January 20
7:30am - 9:00pm
Georgetown University
Link
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Each year, the Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life strives to promote intellectually rigorous discourse on the sanctity of human life as well as build a culture of life both within and beyond the Georgetown community. Georgetown students founded the Conference in 2000 and remain the organizers and facilitators of what has become the largest student-run, pro-life Conference in the United States. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the Conference is named in honor of His Eminence John Cardinal O’Connor, who principally committed himself to advocate for the defenseless and eloquently defend pro-life positions.

Campus Ministry is sponsoring a group to represent Loyola University to attend the conference! We will travel together to and from the conference from campus. Meals will not be provided by the conference. We will get lunch and dinner near Georgetown's campus.
RSVP

EVENT

Duckpin Bowling at Stoneleigh Lanes

Saturday, January 20
8:00pm - 11:00pm
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Messina has rented out an entire local bowling alley for students to come and learn one of Baltimore's finest traditions, Duckpin Bowling!

Come play and learn what makes this game a little different than regular bowling. Shoes will be provided at the bowling alley as well as as many games you can play before they close.

Bring your Messina classmates, roommates, friends or come by yourself and meet new friends!

A shuttle bus will pick-up students outside Boulder once at 7:45pm and another at 8:15pm. A bus will take students back to campus at 10:30pm and another at 11:00pm

Students need to register in advance as there is a 80 person capacity limit at the bowling alley.
RSVP

EVENT

Campus Ministry Internship '24-'25 - Information Session!

Tuesday, January 23
1:00pm - 2:00pm
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Campus Ministry Interns are responsible for assisting the professional staff in fulfilling the mission of the office of Campus Ministry. Interns will support the Jesuit, Catholic identity at Loyola, and promote opportunities to explore the richness of Ignatian Spirituality. Interns are ambassadors who welcome, honor and celebrate people of all faith traditions, spiritualities and identities. They are committed to building a just community and creating inclusive spaces for prayer, meaning-making and spiritual development.    

Join one of our Information Sessions to learn more!
Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 1 p.m.   
Monday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.  
Friday, Feb. 16 at 3 p.m. 
  
Applications Due: Friday, Feb. 23, 2024  
RSVP

EVENT

31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation

Wednesday, January 24
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Loyola University Maryland, McGuire Hall East, 4501 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
Link
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Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III, President Emeritus of UMBC, will deliver Loyola University Maryland’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation address on Wednesday, January 24, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in McGuire Hall East. "Looking Back to Look Forward 1964-2024" will be moderated by Karsonya Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., founding director of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice and professor of communication and African and African American Studies at Loyola.

The discussion will focus on the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and will offer in-depth perspectives on the evolution of voting rights in the United States, the generational impact of Jim and Jane Crow, and the intersections of gender discrimination and racial oppression in higher education.

This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation, celebrating its 31st year, is an occasion for Loyola and the Baltimore community to launch the spring semester and the New Year by coming together for shared inquiry into the issues of social justice, politics, spirituality, and the legacies of race and racial justice in America.

The convocation is co-sponsored by the Office of the President, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Messina, and the Karson Institute for Race, Peace, & Social Justice.

The convocation will also be live-streamed via YouTube, and closed captioning will be provided.
RSVP

EVENT

January Stone Soup Series

Friday, January 26
12:30pm - 1:30pm
CT*M107, 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD , 21210, United States
Link
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Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with delicious food, engaging conversations and an enhancing learning experience. Discover the magic of community as we come together to share stories, laughter, and of course, a hearty bowl of soup. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow faculty, students, Father Tim and Dr. Kaye as we enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in Stone Soup: Exploring the (Peculiar) Soul of Our University Text to be discussed: The 272: The Families who were enslaved and sold to build the American Catholic Church (Chapters 1, 8, 14).
RSVP

EVENT

Loyola Project Screening and Discussion

Friday, January 26
6:00pm - 8:30pm
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Link
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Join us for a screening of the Loyola Project, a film about the 1963 Loyola Chicago Men's Basketball Team and how they broke racial barriers and changed college basketball forever. Following the film will be a discussion with Dr. Nona Storr, a Historian and Loyola Chicago alum, led by Dr. Kaye Whitehead, Director of the Karson Institute.
RSVP

EVENT

Spring Activities Fair

Tuesday, January 30
1:30pm - 3:30pm
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Come stop by McGuire Hall to check out Loyola's clubs and organizations! This is a great way to connect with your peers as another semester gets started!
RSVP

EVENT

Hope and Renewal Prayer Service

Thursday, February 1
10:00am - 11:00am
Alumni Memorial Chapel , 4501 N Charles Street, Baltimore, MD , 21210, United States
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The annual interfaith and ecumenical service combines music and messages of hope and renewal from multiple faith traditions. There is a collaboration between the Loyola Chosen Generation Choir and the Loyola Chapel Choir.

Brunch is provided following the prayer service.

Doors open at 9:30 am, it is first come first serve seating.
 
RSVP

EVENT

Death of Innocence: Youth Justice Forum and Fair

Thursday, February 1
6:00pm - 8:30pm
McGuire Hall West, CCSJ - Humanities Building, Suite 142* (adjacent to Diane Geppi-Aikens Field) YRI - 5104 York Road (small building with the green awning), Baltimore, MD 21210, United States
Link
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Join us for Death of Innocence: A Youth Justice Forum and Fair, taking place in McGuire Hall from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Hear from experts and community activists to learn more about what’s happening in the field of youth justice and how you can be a part of creating change. Meet representatives from community and advocacy organizations, explore internship and job opportunities, and take part in a community advocacy action. Snacks, refreshments, and mingling at a reception from 7:30 - 8:30. Open to all!
RSVP
Loyola University Maryland Bridge and crosswalk

Community Engagement Opportunities

Looking for ways to align your passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice with your extended community? Please check out the opportunities below for ways to connect with local businesses and organizations.

EVENT

Spring Community Engagement Open House

Tuesday, January 23
11:00am - 4:00pm
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Link
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Join the Center for Community, Service, and Justice (CCSJ) and the York Road Initiative (YRI) at the Community Engagement Open House where you can explore the various community engagement, service, advocacy, and justice opportunities offered by the Center for Community, Service, and Justice throughout our York Road and Baltimore community.

Community service, advocacy initiatives, and community engagement are just a few of the opportunities at Loyola where you can live out our Jesuit values of being a person "for and with others." Student interns and staff members will be available to share more information about occasional/one-time and weekly service opportunities as well as advocacy opportunities, and courses you can take on-campus that offer service-learning or community-engaged learning opportunities.

If you're interested in learning more about ways to serve and connect to our Baltimore community, you won't want to miss this event.
RSVP


If you would like to contribute relevant news items, events, professional development opportunities, or community updates and accomplishments, please send them to rlittle1@loyola.edu


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