Activism 2010-19

Content warning: racism, sexism, violence, language

BIPOC students identify lacking cultural competency around creative approaches, content and placement of work. The divisive presidential election in the midst of documented xenophobia, racism, classism and sexism sparks conversation and organizing around anti-fascism and the role of art in response to our political climate. Global warming and environmental sustainability are topics of concern within the community.

RISD initiatives

The Office of Title IX was created in 2011 to provide prevention and response processes around gender-based discrimination and violence. In 2012 The Office of International Student Services (OISS) was created to advocate for RISD’s international community. The Office of Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE) was created in 2013 to promote cultural awareness while serving as a resource for specific RISD communities. Also in 2013, Divest RISD’s initiatives persuaded the Trustees Finance Committee to no longer invest institutional endowment funds in fossil fuel industries.

The SEI Action Plan launched in 2017, followed by the hiring of the first Associate Provost for SEI and the creation of the Center for SEI and Teaching and Learning Lab. A Sexual Misconduct and Safety Task Force delivered a report to leadership in 2018 and recommendations were implemented in response to the #MeToo movement. of RISD’s strategic plan NEXT: 2020–2027 was finalized in 2019, with the first pillar focusing on social justice and equity.