2020 has been tough on everyone. Through our struggles as a society to grapple with a global pandemic, tribalism, systemic racism, police violence and shortcomings in diversity, equity and inclusiveness, we also have a moment to reflect on how our institutions serve our society in support of our collective values.

Tragically, recent news brought more reports of suffering in the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This tragedy, together with the heartbreaking stories of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many more — going back to Emmett Till and the untold numbers of victims  before and since — bring the sobering realities of inequality and discrimination into clearer focus.

At Notre Dame, our values as a Catholic institution guide us forward. In addition to recognizing the gravity of the moment, we are committed to taking substantive steps to improve the diversity of our community and to foster inclusive excellence throughout our College. We must grapple with our legacy and current shortcomings with a spirit of transparency and openness, and, I believe, pursue change as both a moral and professional obligation.

To this end, good steps forward are happening throughout our College. Nearly every week, there are new opportunities for our community to come together and listen to each other and discuss these issues. Some recent examples include the Mendoza sessions organized by Kara Palmer with Eric Love and Pamela Nolan (make sure to mark your calendar for our next meeting at 3 p.m. Sept. 24 with Angela Logan, who will focus the conversation on implicit bias).

There is also the University’s Diversity Practitioners Group and a series of opportunities to build an anti-racist vocabulary. If you have not explored the resources provided in the “Diversity and Inclusion” section of the Mendoza Exchange website, I would encourage you to review the 127 content items currently included on the topics of racism at work, faith, teaching, books, films and more.

Much of the hard work of change requires specific and sustained attention, which is often only possible through concentrated efforts in smaller groups. I was particularly encouraged by the M&O department’s session recently on inclusive excellence with a focus on racial justice and equality, which included a reflection on Dean Marcus Cole’s essay, “I am George Floyd. Except, I can breathe. And I can do something.” This is part of an ongoing series of inclusive excellence workshops that occur multiple times a year with all of the faculty in M&O. I know other departments and administrative groups have conducted or are working on similar initiatives.

Our undergrad students recently worked to build awareness about racial injustice with the Notre Dame Strike for Black Lives virtual demonstration. Students shared a message of solidarity in their Zoom classes and left after one minute, using that time to educate themselves on racial justice issues.

In the MBA program, our students have risen to this challenge. A task force of students, administrators and alumni met throughout the summer to hold listening sessions, reflect on our program’s shortcomings and draft recommendations for moving forward. I am pleased to share the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force recommendations with all of you. In total, the team iterated over many issues, consolidated, negotiated and advanced 44 targeted recommendations across four thematic areas of focus: transparency, investment, mentorship and signaling. Fifteen of these recommendations are highlighted as top priorities and cut across all parts of the MBA program experience. I encourage you to read these recommendations and consider how you might join with me, Martijn, Kelli Kilpatrick and the entire MBA program team to move forward in these important areas.

Like many of you, I come to all of this with a thankful spirit and an open mind. I am thankful for the commitment of our students and alums to dedicate themselves toward progress. I am thankful for the legacy of Father Hesburgh and Notre Dame to take steps forward over the last 50 years. And especially, I am thankful to all of you for your partnership in joining together in this challenging and important work.

#GoIrish!

Mike

Michael J. Mannor, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for the MBA Program
John F. O'Shaughnessy Associate Professor of Family Enterprise