DEI Timeline
The following timeline represents an overview of diversity, equity, and inclusion-related events and milestones that have occurred at Colorado State University over the past ten years. This timeline is not all encompassing; there are many earlier points not included such as the formation of the Student Diversity Programs and Services offices or all publicly reported bias incidents.
What this timeline aims to achieve is to provide a more full representation of the challenges and progress as CSU works to be a university that is truly welcoming of all communities. We embrace our missteps so that we can learn and do better. We embrace our achievements so that we can honor the hard work of the countless individuals who have contributed to equity and justice work at Colorado State University. There is much more work to do and this timeline will continue to be updated as we move forward.
Please note: This timeline is updated at the end of each academic semester.
2020, December
Equity & Inclusion Network Launches DEI Forums
The Equity and Inclusion Network launches the first DEI Forum, gathering together all CSU employees who serve on diversity, equity, and inclusion-related committees, to share best practices, provide expert advice from the EIN members, and guide employees in their work
2020, December
CSU Fermentation Program Receives Diversity Scholarship Gift
AC Golden creates a Brewing Change Scholarship Fund to boost diversity in the brewing industry through CSU’s Fermentation Sciences program
2020, November
Student Athletes Come Forward with Experiences of Sexual Misconduct
Several student-athletes share their experiences of sexual misconduct, and the university’s response, with local media. Faculty Council hosts a meeting to discuss the university’s handling of the situation and pose questions regarding next steps and expectations
2020, November
President McConnell Announces Action Plan Related to Athletics’ Investigation
President McConnell sends a university-wide email announcing an action plan in relation to the Athletics’ investigation
2020, November
VP of Diversity, Mary Ontiveros, Retiring
Vice President of Diversity, Mary Ontiveros, announces her retirement, beginning January 1, 2021, to the university community after 47 years of service. A national search for her predecessor will be launched
2020, October
Historic Gift Made to Native American Cultural Center
The Ottens Foundation makes a $700,000 gift to the Native American Cultural Center, the largest current/cash gift in NACC’s history. The gift will sustain NACC’s operations for the next 10 years
2020, October
President McConnell Hosts Tell Me More Series
President Joyce McConnell hosts the Tell Me More series and sits down with Camille Dungy and Claudia Rankine, authors and academics, to discuss Equity and Inclusion at CSU
2020, October
Rams Read Launches Website
Rams Read, the committee leading the Campus Read initiative that encourages the university community to read together and discuss what they’ve read, launches a new website. The committee co-hosts Claudia Rankine, author of Citizen: an American Lyric, as part of the 20th Annual Diversity Symposium
2020, October
20th Annual Diversity Symposium
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity hosts the 20th Annual Diversity Symposium in a virtual format, and over 3,000 CSU students, faculty, and staff register and participate in the week-long events. All sessions are recorded and made available to campus immediately after
2020, September
CSU System Launches Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Rights. Campaign
CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo and CSU Global work with the Colorado State University System to launch an initiative called Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Rights. to encourage civic engagement, voting, and informed discourse in advance of the 2020 election
2020, August
CSU Community Marches on Anniversary of MLK, Jr. Speech
Speakers from campus and the Fort Collins community address a crowd of nearly 300 participants at the DreamN2020 event on CSU’s Oval, organized and led by CSU student veteran Julius Philpot
2020, August
How Leaders Can Take Action to Advance Equity Session
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity hosts university leaders in a Q&A session on advancing equity, as a follow-up to their earlier summer session on anti-racism actions
2020, August
New Division Readies Response to Title IX Changes
The new Division of Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, led by VP Diana Prieto, shares information regarding the Title IX federal changes and CSU’s response
2020, August
President McConnell Announces Athletics Investigation
In response to allegations of racism and verbal abuse, President McConnell announces an independent investigation of CSU Athletics, led by law firm Husch Blackwell
2020, July
President McConnell Launches Rams Read
President McConnell emails the university community to announce Rams Read, a new social justice reading initiative centering Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
2020, July
University Leadership Participate in Anti-Racism Session
University leadership, including members of the Executive Leadership Team and the Deans, joined the Reverend Dr. Jamie Washington for a facilitated discussion about how to make CSU an anti-racist institution
2020, July
CSU Athletics Together Initiative
CSU Athletics launches the Together Initiative, announced through Dr. Albert Bimper’s email messages calling all of the community to action following a CSU football player being violently and wrongfully held at gunpoint by a community member
2020, June-July
Bias Incident
Three publicly shared bias incidents occur over the summer, including a racist and violent social media post, a violent and threatening act towards a CSU athlete of color by a community member, and a racist, fake restaurant listing
2020, June
Office of the Vice President for Diversity Hosts Anti-Racism Q&A
Staff from the Office of the Vice President for Diversity host a Q&A session with faculty and staff from across the university on anti-racism and equity
2020, June
Student Demands Website Launches
A new webpage to host information about student demands is launched under the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative website
2020, June
Anti-Racism Summer Book Read
Several units, led by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, launch a summer book read for CSU employees, purchasing and distributing 500 copies of How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi to employees and leadership, along with resources to inform actions
2020, June
Athletics Launches Together Initiative
CSU Athletics announces the Together Initiative to commit to programming that advances equity in athletics and the greater university community
2020, June
CSU Hosts Statewide Convening of Higher Ed Institutions Committed to Supporting Undocumented Students
CSU hosts a statewide convening of higher ed institutions committed to supporting undocumented students to share strategies and ideas, which fell shortly after the SCOTUS ruling on DACA.
2020, June
Juneteenth Messaging
President McConnell sends a message to campus in honor of Juneteenth and pledges to consider future actions to observe the date as a university community moving forward.
2020, May
Solidarity with Black Lives Matter
In solidarity with national protests responding to ongoing police brutality and the killing of George Floyd and countless other Black and African American people, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity releases a statement of solidarity. President Joyce McConnell shares the statement and offers her support.
2020, May
RBEI Announces Proposal Decisions
The Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative sends a university-wide email announcing the selected proposal themes, as well as plans for the rest of the proposals received.
2020, May
Faculty Council Moves to Enhance Diversity Learning
Faculty Council issues a statement of support for the students who have raised concerns about equity, diversity, and inclusion and approves changes to the core curriculum that places a new category of required diversity and dialogue coursework.
2020, April
RBEI Names Co-Chair
Mary Ontiveros, vice president for diversity, is named as a co-chair of RBEI to serve alongside Blanche Hughes, vp of student affairs. RBEI announces work on the student demands and the next chapter of the initiative.
2020, March
Student Demands Working Group
A first meeting of CSU administrators is held in respond to the #NPTB Student Demands. The working group begins discussing each demand and a communications plan is created to share out the progress with the university by fall 2020.
2020, March
RBEI Student Feedback
Student feedback sessions are conducted on behalf of the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative and include discussions with CREWS, Hillel, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, the President’s Multicultural Student Advisory Committee, Residence Hall Association, Residence Life, Student Diversity Programs & Services offices, and more.
2020, March
#NPTB Student Demands
Leaders of the #NotProudtoBe student group present CSU administrators with a list of Student Demands. Administration meets with #NPTB leaders in a 4 hour meeting to hear directly from them and discuss their demands.
2020, February
RBEI Retreat
A half-day retreat is held for the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative working groups to review over 140 proposals received.
2020, January
Bias Communications Task Force
A Bias Communications Task Force is convened to begin developing a communications plan for the Bias Reporting System, as well as the development of a new website. The Task Force sets a goal to complete their work by summer 2020.
2020, January
RBEI Reviews Proposals
Nine RBEI working groups are established with over 65 faculty and staff to review proposals submitted to the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative. Two student interns join the RBEI to assist with student outreach and input.
2019, December
RBEI Core Team Named
A Core Team is announced to collaborate and lead the charge for proposal review through the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative.
2019, November
President McConnell Hosts Forum
President McConnell hosts an open forum for students.
2019, November
RBEI Invites Speaker
Theo Wilson, an NAACP speaker, poet, and activist who publicly criticized CSU for their response to recent incidents of racism on campus, is invited to speak at the Lory Student Center by RBEI and President Joyce McConnell.
2019, October
Jewish Community Meeting with President
President McConnell hosts a discussion with Jewish student and faculty leadership.
2019, October
RBEI Chair Announced
Blanche Hughes, vice president for student affairs, is appointed as chair of the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative and a call for proposals is announced.
2019, October
Learning Through Dialogue
A new learning community, Learning through Dialogue (LTD), receives support to move forward in partnership with SEED, Composition 101, SLiCE and University Housing.
2019, September–November
VPD Listening Sessions
The Office of the Vice President for Diversity facilitates listening sessions with faculty and staff around race, bias and equity issues.
2019, September
President McConnell’s Charge
President McConnell gives a direct charge to the President’s Executive Leadership Team to conduct internal audits and identify areas and programs in their units to address systemic racism, bias and/or equity issues.
2019, September
Equity Toolkit
The Office of the Provost commits all academic units across campus to participate in the Colorado Department of Higher Education Equity Toolkit, a series of online modules designed to help faculty members better address racism, bias, equity, and related issues in their classrooms.
2019, September
Fall Address & Protests
President McConnell delivers her first fall address and announces the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative, hundreds of student representing the newly formed #NotProudtoBe group march in silent protest.
2019, September
ASCSU Resolution
ASCSU votes on a resolution condemning anti-Semitism, with many members of Jewish organizations and students attending.
2019, September
ASCSU Meeting
Hundreds of students attend an ASCSU meeting to denounce the blackface incident and share their frustrations with accountability. President McConnell, as well as several other members of CSU administration, are also in attendance.
2019, September
Bias Incident
Drawings of a swastika are found in Aggie Village.
2019, September
Bias Incident
Bias Incident: A student-created blackface post was shared widely on social media.
2019, Fall
Additional Gender Options
Legal marker ‘x’ is included as third-gender option for students’ University records.
2019, July
EverFi DEI Module
EverFi Diversity, Equity and Inclusion online module is rolled out as a beta test with several student employee groups. Over 700 student employees have a facilitated experience taking the module within their student employee role.
2019, July
Intergroup Relations Staff Hired
First full-time staff member hired dedicated to leading student intergroup relations efforts and to supervise and build the SEED program.
2019, March
First CSU Gender Summit
First CSU Gender Summit convenes over 50 groups working on employee based gender-related efforts.
2018, December
Land Acknowledgment
CSU Land Acknowledgment officially adopted and shared during ASCSU sessions, commencements, conferences, and events.
2018, Fall
Transgender Committee Formed
Transgender Oversight Committee is formed to continue addressing gender diversity inclusion on systemic levels.
2018, Spring
“Think Tank: Free Speech Summit”
In collaboration with the President’s Office and General Counsel, VPD hosts the First Amendment Conversation Series and the “Think Tank: Free Speech Summit.” The day-long summit included a Presidential Panel and breakout sessions on various topics related to the First Amendment, free speech, and hate speech on campus.
2018, August
Native American Advisory Formed
Native American Advisory Council to the President (formerly Task Force on Native American Initiatives) formed to make recommendations and advise the President.
2018, Fall
President’s Council on Culture
President Frank creates President’s Council on Culture.
2018, Fall
Women’s Studies Expanded
CSU begins offering bachelor degree program in Women’s Studies.
2018, July
Women and Gender Collaborative
The Women and Gender Collaborative joins the Vice President for Diversity team. The Women and Gender Collaborative connects and promotes campus efforts that support the University’s mission to improve the campus culture and climate around gender and makes CSU the best place for women to work and learn.
2018, July
Native American Visit Day
Admissions and the Native American Cultural Center create a Native Student Visit Day, at the request of students, to provide an opportunity to specifically focus on the needs and interests of prospective Native American students, including more interaction with Native students and staff who can share experiences, perceptions, and community. The visit days are hosted by a Native American Recruitment and Transition Specialist.
2018, April–August
CSUPD Response Changes
CSU Police officers now communicate with the tour guide if there is a need to contact an individual who is part of a tour and if a tour guest is contacted by CSUPD the officers now make sure they are reunited with the tour.
2018, April–July
Admissions Tour Changes
New policies are introduced regarding Admissions tours:
- tour guides are now provided with a mobile phone and a list of names of the tour participants
- tour participants receive a button to wear as a visual way to identify people registered for the tour beginning in October 2018
- tour guide training enhanced to make groups feel welcome in more robust ways while still allowing for differences in communication ability and culture
- in the tour introduction, guests are asked to please “check out” if they leave the tour to help the tour guide be aware of changes in the group
2018, April
Bias Incident
A family member of a prospective student on an Admissions Tour calls police on two Native American students on the tour. News about the incident is widely shared at the university and in national news media.
2018, March
Bias Incident
Muslim residents are harassed in University Village.
2018, March
ASCSU Bias Discussion
ASCSU discusses bias-motivated incidents and issues on campus.
2018, March
CSUnite
CSUnite, a march and community event, is held on campus in response to the growing number of bias incidents.
2018, February
Bias Incident
Edwards Hall was defaced with racist, sexist, homophobic, and anti-immigrant graffiti.
2018, February
Dr. Frank’s Message
Then President Dr. Tony Frank condemns the Traditionalist Worker Party flyers with a university-wide message including the widely shared phrase “A Nazi is a Nazi is a Nazi”.
2018, January
SEED Launched
Students Empowering & Engaging in Dialogue (SEED) Peer-to-Peer Intergroup relations program is developed and launched.
2018, January
Bias Incident
Graffiti is found in the Lory Student Center with racist and sexist language.
2018, Spring
Free Speech Series
In collaboration with the President’s Office and General Counsel, VPD hosts the First Amendment Conversation Series and the “Think Tank: Free Speech Summit.” The day-long summit included a Presidential Panel and breakout sessions on various topics related to the First Amendment, free speech, and hate speech on campus.
2017, September
Undocumented Task Force
A formalized DACA/Undocumented/Immigration Task Force is established.
2017, September
Dreamers United
Dreamers United students submit list of recommendations and meet with University Leadership.
2017, September
No Place 4 H8
No Place 4 H8 campaign is launched by Housing & Dining Services and adopted by the entire university in response to the bias incidents.
2017, September
New Bias Reporting Form
The Bias Assessment Team, formed in 2011, shares a new online reporting form for incidents of bias.
2017, September
Feminist Fight Club
Colorado State becomes the first institution of higher education to collaborate with Jessica Bennett and the Feminist Fight Club to address subtle sexism in the workplace.
2017, August–November
CSU Responds to Bias
Dr. Tony Frank addresses the bias incidents in several university-wide emails. Work begins on actions to respond to the bias incidents, including the installation of hundreds of new cameras in the public areas of resident halls.
2017, August–November
Bias Incidents
A string of bias incidents occur on campus and are shared publicly with the university community.
August – A noose created out of paper is found in Newsom Hall.
September – A Wireless network in Durward Hall is named with an antisemitic slur.
September – An antisemitic slur is written on a Jewish student’s whiteboard.
November – An email from a spoof email address with racist language was sent to faculty members.
2017, August
Condemning Hate
Then CSU President, Dr. Tony Frank, condemns Charlottesville riot in a university-wide message
2017, Fall
“All Gender” restrooms
Hundreds of single-stall restrooms on campus converted to “All Gender” restrooms.
2017, Fall
Commission on Women & Gender Equity Anniversary
Commission on Women and Gender equity celebrates is 20th year.
2017, May
Inclusive Physical and Virtual Campus
CSU Cabinet approves the Inclusive Physical and Virtual Campus policy to eliminate barriers that can prevent individuals from fully accessing and enjoying the benefit of CSU facilities, educational opportunities, and information in the same way their peers might.
2017, March
Women Faculty Experiences
SCSCWF report on women faculty experiences is available to campus.
2017, March
Bias Incident
The Islamic Center of Fort Collins, located adjacent to campus and attended by many CSU community members, is vandalized.
2017, February
Undocumented Support
An informal Undocumented/Immigration Task Force convenes.
2016, Fall
Counselor Hired in Response to Student Demands
A counselor is hired to support students in SDPS and to address racial battle fatigue, as part of the student recommendations in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter.
2016, November
Undocumented Support
A DACA and Undocumented Support Rally is held on campus in response to the “Free Speech Wall” demonstration.
2016, October
Free Speech Wall
The first “Free Speech Wall” is placed on Lory Student Center Plaza by students supporting President Trump’s border wall.
2016, March
ASCSU Diversity Bill
The ASCSU Diversity bill passes. Student Diversity Offices earn seats in senate.
2016, March
Women & Gender Collaborative
The Women & Gender Collaborative launches under new structure and priorities, replacing the Ripple Effect.
2016, Spring
President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion
President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion is officially commissioned.
2015, December
Principles of Community
CSU Cabinet endorses the Principles of Community, which the campus community embraces and begins rapidly adopting.
2015, November
Rally Behind Mizzou
CSU students “Rally Behind Mizzou” and present the 2015 list of Student Demands to administration.
2015, November
Multicultural Organizational Development Model
The Multicultural Organizational Development Model is adopted to track progress toward diversity and inclusion at CSU.
2015, September
Pride Resource Center Staff
The Pride Resource staff hires its second full–time employee, the first Assistant Director for the Pride Resource Center.
2015, May
Gender Salary Equity
CSU addresses gender inequities among salaries in a message from President Tony Frank.
2015, July
Women’s Studies Position
The director position at the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research is made a full-time position.
2015, January
The Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence
The Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence is launched to create a learning environment for faculty to engage in topics of diversity and inclusion in pedagogy, curriculum, and campus communities.
2014, Fall
Solidarity Rally
CSU students hold a “Ferguson Rally and Die-In in the LSC” in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter.
2014, Fall
Council on Strategic Diversity Initiatives at CSU
Council on Strategic Diversity Initiatives at CSU is formed. The committee brings together people from across campus whose job includes diversity and inclusion efforts. The committee eventually disbands and was replaced by the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.
2014, Summer
Principles of Community
VPD office forms a committee of representatives across campus to start drafting what would become the Principles of Community.
2014, Summer
Social Justice Leadership Institute
VPD office launches the Social Justice Leadership Institute. Participants gain key concepts for social justice education and implementation of inclusive policies and practices. Participants explore what it means to infuse diversity and inclusion best practices into the life of a university. Takes place every summer.
2014, May
Standing Committee on the Status of Women Faculty
President Tony Frank establishes the Standing Committee on the Status of Women Faculty (now known as the Council for Gender Equity).
2014, Spring
Creating Inclusive Excellence Program
The VPD office launches the Creating Inclusive Excellence Program to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills around issues of diversity and inclusion at CSU. Program is offered every semester.
2013
Transgender Support
Transgender Healthcare team is created within the CSU Health Network.
2013
Diversity and Inclusion Retreat for CSU
The first Diversity and Inclusion Retreat for CSU leadership is held. The retreat helped set expectations that an institutional focus on diversity and inclusion is paramount. The message to leadership: “It begins with you.”
2012
Ripple Effect Launches
President Tony Frank’s Fall Address calls for CSU to become the best place for women to work and learn, and the Ripple Effect is launched within the next year.
2012
CSU Nondiscrimination policy
CSU Nondiscrimination policy includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
2012
Campus Climate Survey
First University-wide Campus Climate Survey for faculty and staff launched to assess employee perceptions related to campus and their immediate workplace. It revealed a need for supervisor training. Diversity and inclusion training programs put in place. The survey is conducted biennially.
2011
Consultation Team for Incidents of Bias
The Consultation Team for Incidents of Bias is established to coordinate University responses to incidents of bias and ensure effective communication, systematic deployment of resources, and clear articulation of institutional values and expectations.
2010, February
Bias Incident
A student campaign to “dress like Indians” at a CSU basketball game results in harassment towards Native and Indigenous CSU community members. President Tony Frank addresses the incident and the harms caused by stereotyping and appropriation in a university-wide email. The organizers change the event to an “Orange Out”.
2010
First Vice President for Diversity
Mary Ontiveros named first Vice President for Diversity.
2009
Diversity Task Force
The Diversity Task Force is established. Charged to research, debate, and advise leadership on the best structure to ensure that diversity is central to CSU’s operations and planning. The Task Force creates the Vice President for Diversity position.