Diversity and equity are given renewed emphasis

University officials have formed two groups to send a strong message on the importance of diversity at U.Va. in the wake of racially tinged events this academic year.

President John T. Casteen III formed a commission on April 3 to look at previous University studies on diversity and equity and compare them with programs elsewhere to come up with a “best practices” model at U.Va.

That group will work in concert with a special committee on diversity formed by Gordon F. Rainey Jr. (College ’62, Law ’67), rector of the University.

The Board of Visitors committee will focus on efforts ranging from promoting diversity among students, staff and faculty to examining procurement policies.

The University community was rocked in February by the report of a racially motivated assault on Daisy Lundy, a second-year student who was a candidate for Student Council. The attack on Lundy, who has since been elected president of Student Council, followed an incident on Halloween involving three University students dressed in blackface at a fraternity party.

To read more, including Arts & Sciences responses, go to www.virginia.edu/uvadiversity/.