Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

After the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others, President Joel N. Lohr encouraged the community in June 2020 to work with him and senior leaders to address how we as an organization—systemically—will deliver on our commitment to support racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement.

President Lohr tasked the University’s Senior Leadership team with making recommendations to address systemic and historic racial inequities both internally and externally. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees adopted several of these recommendations, including:

Hiring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Lorraine Ryan, who has worked at Hartford University in various positions since 2007, was promoted to that position on July 30, 2020.
Establishing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Council
The council had its first meeting on Sept. 17, 2020. Members include:
- Lorraine Ryan, Chair – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
- Naseem Shaikh, Trustee
- Lucinda Mosher, Director of the MA in Interreligious Studies
- Joe Chung, Events Coordinator and C&PE Manager
- Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, Distinguished Professor, Community Liaison, and Research Consultant for Howard Thurman Center
- Gilana Levavi, International Peacemaking alum

In its first meeting on Sept. 17, 2020, the council established an annual meeting schedule and began a review of the recommendations put forward by the University’s Senior Leadership Team. The council also agreed that the university’s website should include a section on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to serve as a clearinghouse for internal initiatives, news, resources, and upcoming events. The council is beginning to examine opportunities for structured dialogue on race and social justice, implement a process to respond to racial incidents at the university, as well as partner with and support other groups in Hartford working to further social justice. As the council begins to compile and analyze various data, diversity targets will be established and shared.

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is committed to building and fostering an educational environment that promotes a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity. Our shared responsibility is to embrace, cultivate, and respect differences in all forms. We aim for inclusive excellence by creating effective systematic policies and practices that advocate and champion equality for everyone.
We acknowledge that the land where we learn, teach, dialogue, and pray, and where some of us are blessed to live, is sacred. We pay respect to the traditional custodians of the land where the city of Hartford is situated. We honor their memory and hope for their future. We aspire to uphold our responsibilities on this land and to work for peace in this world, in accordance with their example.
Contuining Education:

The Marrow of Worship
Greater Hartford Multifaith Prayer Breakfast
The Three Amigos on Friendship and Transcendence
Faith Communities & Organizations
Education

Hartford Institute for Religion Research:

Latinx Grant

Howard Thurman Center

The Howard Thurman Center For Justice and Transformational Ministry

Webinars:

Latino, Black & Multiracial Dynamics: EPIC Webinar Series
Holidays in the Workplace Webinar Series
Webinar: Women’s History Month – A New Day Dawns
Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Active Listening

Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations:

2021 Luce Conference in Christian-Muslim Relations
Macdonald Center 50th Anniversary

Community Prayer:

Community Prayer 10/19/22 | Recognizing LGBT History Month
Unity through Racial Equality

DAYS TO NOTE
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 11
A holiday that celebrates and honors the history and culture of Native Americans. For a list of events taking place, visit:
- International Equal Pay Day – September 18
Celebrated for the first time in September 2020, this day represents the longstanding efforts towards the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. It further builds on the United Nations’ commitment to human rights and against all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls.
- Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15
National Hispanic American Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. For a list of events taking place, visit:
- Women’s Equality Day – August 26
Women’s Equality Day commemorates the August 26, 1920, certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote. Congresswoman Bella Abzug first introduced a proclamation for Women’s Equality Day in 1971. Since that time, every president has published a proclamation recognizing August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.
- International Day of Friendship – July 30
International Day of Friendship, proclaimed in 2011 by the U.N. General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
- Disability Independence Day – July 26
Celebrating the anniversary of the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- International Non-Binary People’s Day – July 14
Aimed at raising awareness and organizing around the issues faced by non-binary people around the world while celebrating their contributions.
- Pride Month
Pride Month begins on June 1 and ends on June 30. This annual celebration recognizes the LGBTQ+ communities. For a list of events taking place, visit:
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month begins on May 1 and ends on May 31. This annual celebration recognizes and honors the achievements of Asian Pacific Americans. For a list of events taking place, visit:
- Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is Friday, April 2. This is an annual month-long effort to raise awareness and help spread kindness for autism during the month of April. For a list of events taking place, visit:
- Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month begins on Monday, March 1 and ends on Wednesday, March 31. This annual celebration recognizes and honors the achievements of women.
- Black History Month
Black History Month begins on Monday, February 1 and ends on Monday, March 1. This annual celebration recognizes and honors the achievements of African Americans.
Resources listed here are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Hartford International University for Religion and Peace.
As we work collectively to champion for change, we’d like to highlight various initiatives at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace that bridge the divide and unify efforts for racial and social justice.

Contributions of the Black Church

Black History Month

Remembering Howard Thurman

Unity Through Racial Equality

Racism: Confession, Repentance and Renewal

I Have A Dream

Black Lives Matter and the Black Church

Strength Through The Times

No Weapon That is Formed Against Me, Shall Prosper

Untying the Noose: A Conversation on Race and Healing

a conversation with Beverly Daniel Tatum: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

A Discussion Around Chaplaincy, Racial Violence & Healing

Community Prayer: Justice and Equity

Community Prayer: Immigration, Community and Justice

Inclusive Voices: Welcoming People with Disabilities
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is committed to maintaining an environment that is diverse, inclusive, and safe for all students, faculty, staff, trustees and constituents. The University is committed to reducing bias and microaggressions, as well as ending discrimination, prejudice, and harassment. We will review and, if appropriate, address any discrimination, prejudice, or harassing behavior that is brought to our attention.

Report an incident of discrimination, prejudice or harassing behavior here:
DEI Incident Report Form

HIU Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Suggestions

Please use the form below if you have an idea/suggestion for the Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The form will be received and responded to by the DEI Officer.

Thank you for your commitment to DEI at HIU!

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