About ARTF
The Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) launched in June 2020, charged to recommend and take swift, meaningful actions to dismantle racism. With the creation of the ARTF, University leadership understands that to truly realize the institution’s values of diversity, inclusion and citizenship, leaders and constituents must take on the difficult, yet necessary challenge to bring awareness to and address inequity on campus, and lead the way in the region and community to a more just society.
The ARTF is working with “the fierce urgency of now” to make substantive and transformative change, but remains acutely aware that racism is not a momentary issue. It is a systemic issue that demands sustained attention. The ARTF’s membership includes faculty, staff, students, and administrators from the Alton, East St. Louis, and Edwardsville campuses; and community partners, including local government officials, and representatives from organizations whose current activities demonstrate a commitment to racial equity.
The Task Force has focused its efforts relative to four specific areas aligning with goals 1, 2 and 3 of the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan:
- Sustained and Effective Communication
- Access and Success
- Curriculum
- Faculty and Staff: Hiring, Retention, Promotion
