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.

Red to black gradient poster with white text

Multi paragraph letter on white paper

Black poster with custom font title

White poster with plant graphic

White page filled with black text

Black hand lettered text on white paper

Black and red bold text on white poster

Paintbrush letterring on an image of Aziz Ansari

Gold text on a black poster

Red flyer with bold black text

Poster with illustration of a black man holding up flyers

Pink poster with illustration of Trump and Cruz

Yellow poster with bold red text

Student holding up colorful poster

Collaged photos on a brick wall

White text on black flyer

Multiple white posters in a grid on a wall

Trump's head photoshopped onto a chicken

Illustration of a white poster with black text on a red poster

Trump's head photoshopped on a beaver

Memorial with candles and posters

Photos collaged on a brick wall

Poop emoji and black text on white poster

Black text on yellow background

Black text and illustration on a white poster

Red to blue gradient printed illustration of person throwing a brick

Bold white text on black poster

Get to know RISD

layer of rust-colored sheets with words and phrases like “struggle of being us”, “preservation” and “rage” written atop them

Center for Social Equity and Inclusion (SEI)

Learn about the center and its support of equity and inclusion initiatives at RISD.

two students presenting as part of RISD's 2020 MLK Keynote Discussion with Jordan Seaberry

Equity and Inclusion

Track our progress in creating an equitable, inclusive and proactively anti-racist RISD.

risd graduating class of 1902 black and white historical photo

RISD Archives

Explore the collection and learn more about RISD’s history and how it has changed over time.