| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 71.04 |
| Liaison | Natalie Hayes |
| Submission Date | Oct. 19, 2023 |
Bentley University
IN-39: Sustainability Office Diversity Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Natalie
Hayes Associate Director of Sustainability Office of Sustainability |
Does the sustainability office have initiatives specifically designed to recruit sustainability employees from underrepresented groups?:
A brief description of the initiatives specifically designed to recruit sustainability employees from underrepresented groups:
The Office of Sustainability (OoS) at Bentley University has demonstrated its commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and justice through a series of impactful initiatives. One of the primary focuses has been on implementing a living wage policy within the office, ensuring that all employees receive fair and equitable compensation for their contributions. By offering a living wage, the OoS not only recognizes the inherent value of its diverse workforce but also seeks to combat income inequality and uplift its employees' economic well-being.
Recognizing the importance of attracting underrepresented groups in the field of sustainability, the OoS has taken a proactive approach to address potential barriers to entry. To this end, the office has introduced a housing stipend for OoS summer interns, aimed specifically at underrepresented communities. This stipend not only helps alleviate financial burdens but also serves as an incentive for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue opportunities in sustainability at Bentley University. By actively encouraging greater representation, the OoS is fostering a more inclusive and diverse community of sustainability practitioners.
Does the sustainability office ensure that sustainability employees complete DEI training?:
A brief description of the DEI trainings for sustainability employees:
Students that work in the Office of Sustainability are required to complete two DEI trainings anually: Anti-Racism 101 (common language) and Anti-Racism 102 (practicing how to respond in different situations).
Office of Sustainability staff all complete Anti-Racism training with our students anually. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers multiple other trainings each year such as Accessibility 101, (LGBTQ+) Ally 101, Anti-Racism 101, Assessment 101, Global Ally, and Trans Ally workshops. Office of Sustainability staff normally attend at least one of these trainings annually.
Does the sustainability office regularly collaborate on events, projects, or initiatives with the institution’s DEI office/program and/or organizations that support underrepresented groups on campus?:
A brief description of events, projects, or initiatives during the previous year developed in collaboration with the DEI office/program and/or organizations that support underrepresented groups on campus:
Does the sustainability office or committee include at least one individual with formal DEI and/or environmental or social justice responsibilities?:
Documentation of the formal DEI and/or environmental or social justice responsibilities:
The OoS has appointed a dedicated Social Justice Coordinator, emphasizing the significance of social justice considerations within sustainability efforts. This coordinator plays a crucial role in integrating social justice principles into the office's projects and initiatives. By incorporating social justice perspectives, the OoS aims to create sustainable solutions that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized and vulnerable communities. This commitment reflects Bentley University's broader dedication to fostering a campus culture that values diversity, equity, and justice, transcending beyond the confines of the Office of Sustainability.
Website URL where information about the initiatives to advance DEI within the sustainability program is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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