INDIANAPOLIS – Martin University today announced the creation of the Martin University Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion. Its purpose is to assist leaders and organizations in their efforts to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Many people strive to become more inclusive and equity-minded but remain uncertain about how to convert their intentions into action,” said Dr. Sean Huddleston, President of Martin University. “The Center will help develop sustainable strategies and practices to provide that opportunity.”
The Center will accomplish its goals through several ways, utilizing workshops, lectures, seminars, programs, initiatives and consulting engagements.
Some of the Center’s programs and initiatives include:
Brother to Brother – An initiative that will focus on helping to empower, influence, and support success for men of color through education, networking, mentorship, and coalition building.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Academy – A professional development and certification program for current and aspiring diversity, equity, and inclusion professionals and practitioners.
Urban Leadership Summit – A coalition-building initiative for civic and community leaders, providing a workspace for leaders to construct new initiatives that will help initiate change and engender greater accountability for racial equity.
Workshops, lectures, seminars and other activities will be open to the community or target specific audiences. Some will be planned in partnership with other organizations or institutions.
Consulting engagements with businesses, higher education institutions, school districts, and other organizations will focus on achieving inclusive excellence. Among the consulting services are:
Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic planning support
Equity and Inclusion organizational assessments
Workforce recruitment and retention strategies
Supplier diversity program development and implementation
Professional development for diversity, equity, and inclusion leaders
“While other organizations are addressing race relations, Martin University is distinctively qualified to be in the forefront of racial equality and inclusion because of its unique history,” said Huddleston.
In 1970, Father Hardin founded the Martin Center as a biracial and ecumenical effort to overcome the polarization brought about by ignorance, injustice and hostility in Indianapolis. In 1977, he and Sister Jane Schilling founded Martin Center College to offer opportunities for disenfranchised persons to change their destinies through education. The college became a separate entity from the Martin Center in 1979 and became Martin University in 1989.
Since its founding, Martin University has been recognized as an institution that offers access and opportunities to persons who have been discounted, discouraged, and disregarded in the educational attainment process. It is Indiana’s only Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) of higher education and continues to serve low-income, minority and adult students.
Huddleston added, “Martin University will continue the legacy it has been given -- finding effective ways to uplift all populations, paying close attention to those whose needs and identities are often marginalized or ignored. “
Martin University’s Mission is to provide excellence in educating and developing traditional and non-traditional students in an inclusive, supportive and healthy collegiate environment.