Office of DEI Education and Learning Initiatives

About Us

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Education and Learning Initiatives leads and collaborates on all training and program development pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging learning at Brandeis University.

We work with students, staff, faculty and administrators to navigate understanding about racism, homophobia, xenophobia, sexism, anti-Semitism and more. Currently, the office consists of director Chip McNeal, PhD, and an incoming program administrator.

The Office's primary purpose is to serve as a diversity, equity and inclusion mentor, subject matter expert  and resource for the Brandeis campus community. We provide workshops, dialogues and training for the entire university.

Request a program

Standard Learning Modules

Emerging learning modules will include:

• The History of Racial Bias in America
• Implicit Bias and Microaggressions
• Cultural Intelligence and Sensitivity
• Counteracting White Supremacy Culture
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Teaching Without Bias
• Inclusive Leadership: Leading with Empathy
• Critical Conversations on Difficult Topics

Collaboration

Diversity and equity efforts are not the sole responsibility of a single department. Thus, we seek to partner with the Student Union, Dean’s Office, Heller School, Intercultural Center, Center for Teaching and Learning, Gender and Sexuality Center, Equal Opportunity Office, Ombuds and a host of student groups and various divisions, departments and schools to develop workshops that address needs and opportunities for DEI learning.

• As of April 2021, nearly all Brandeis departments and schools created and submitted anti-racism plans. The Office of DEI Education and Learning Initiatives will be a key resource and support for the implementation of almost all of these plans.
• We are currently reviewing documents related to past programs and synthesizing data from a 2022 Climate Survey on needs and priorities in the DEI realm. Additionally, we are conducting a “mapping” exercise to better understand DEI learning opportunities taking place across the university. Already underway are distinct plans to refine and enhance strategies for “hiring without bias.”
• We are working with Brandeis faculty search committees to address implicit bias in recruitment and increase the applicant pool of candidates from diverse backgrounds. Managers across campus will also benefit from additional education and learning on DEI as it relates to recruitment and hiring diverse staff.