The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEI Council) is officially established under Wayne State University Policy 23-01 which was signed by former President M. Roy Wilson on July 27, 2023. The DEI Council’s purpose is to foster anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion at Wayne State University by assessing and reporting on the institution’s progress in these domains and by offering strategic advice to the Associate Provost and Chief Diversity Officer (AP-CDO).

The Social Justice Action Committee (SJAC) working group on University DEI Initiatives recommended that a University DEI Council be created to address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and concerns from across the university community. In spring 2021, Deans and division leaders were asked to nominate individuals to serve on the Council. Several at-large members were also invited to serve. All individuals were invited and the first Council meeting was held in August 2021. The Council meets monthly.

DEI strategic planning

The University has released its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, and diversity, equity, and inclusion remain a strategic focus. In the Fall of 2022, the Provost asked Colleges to create or update their DEI strategic plans. The DEI Council has supported this effort in the colleges by creating a DEI Strategic Planning template. This template was released to the Deans of the Colleges in the fall of 2022. For more information, reach out to the co-chairs of the DEI Strategic Planning Working Group.

Contact

If you have questions for the DEI Council, please email diversity@wayne.edu.