Hello all,
What a spring and summer 2020 has brought us.
Amid the new normal of managing COVID-19 and the economic challenges that have affected so many Americans, Rice Business is also determined to face head-on the pain of inequities and injustice in our society. The Rice Business family stands with Black Lives Matter, and to creating truly respectful and equitable treatment for people of color and other marginalized groups. Many of you, we know, are already taking action in your own ways. We’re proud to have you join us in our work for social justice at Rice Business.
Rice Business has long championed a diverse and inclusive community. Research shows it’s good business practice; ethics tell us it’s right. With this in mind, our on-campus resources such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and student affinity clubs work hand-in-hand with strategic partnerships offering scholarships, events and programs for our students including students including underrepresented populations and women. Among them: the National Black MBA Association, Prospanica, Consortium, FORTÉ Foundation, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Reaching Out MBA and the PhD Project.
As the most diverse MBA in the most diverse U.S. city, we are responding to the historic call for action with an ongoing roster of actions.
- Just over two weeks ago, Dean Rodriguez addressed the call to action in ending systemic racism and promoting justice that prompted the creation of the Rice Business Task Force on Racial Equity and Social Justice. The task force is comprised of faculty, students, staff, and alumni.
- The Jones Student Association wrote an impassioned public letter in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, Rice Business for Black Lives, and established a GoFundMe account to assist organizations that work in the social justice realm. The Jones Student Association has also created a Black Lives Matter T-Shirt, in which all of the proceeds would go to Houston organizations working on social justice.
- Over 60 staffers took part in a special session, These Trying Times – How Rice Business Responds, sponsored by the Dean’s Office and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion on June 3.
- The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will roll out a Learning Circle and Discussion Series related to inclusion and equity to be scheduled over the upcoming weeks.
- Twice-Rice alum, Julian Duncan, CMO of the Jacksonville Jaguars (formerly with Nike and UnderArmor) extended invitation to a June 5 webinar organized by ADWEEK titled, A State of Revolt: Navigating Turbulent Times, Leading Teams and Taking Action. Participating organizations included the NBA, JPMC, Lyft, Papa John’s and Omnicom.
- Our partner organization, the Consortium for Graduate Management Study, launched MBA Students Care: Fundraiser for Color of Change campaign organized by Student Liaisons and Class of 2022 Fellows.
- Encouragement for staff to take an extended lunch pause on Tuesday, June 9 during the broadcast of George Floyd’s memorial in Houston.
The year 2020 has been taxing for all of us. For Rice Business, we also see it as an opportunity to make work and daily life more fair, more inclusive and more enriching.
Lina Bell
Director, Diversity and Inclusion
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