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From Every Nation

 

From Every Nation: The Revised Comprehensive Plan for Racial Justice, Reconciliation, and Cross-Cultural Engagement at Calvin University

 

First adopted in 2003 by the faculty and in 2004 by the Board of Trustees of Calvin University, this document articulates a vision, as well as goals and strategies for “transforming Calvin into an institution that is always vigilant in recognizing racism, always conscientious in promoting reconciliation, and always active in the work of restoring a healthy multicultural community” (FEN, 8).

The document addresses five critical areas: Personnel, Students, Curriculum and Instruction, Partners and Constituencies, and Campus Environment.

The ultimate goal of FEN is to work toward a multicultural Kingdom of God (p. 11) like the one described in Revelation 7:9:

There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.”

FEN Themes

Three broad themes shape the goals and strategies articulated within the document. These themes work simultaneously rather than sequentially.

 

  1. Multicultural citizenship (p. 7): Expand cross-cultural experiences; cultivate intercultural sensitivities
  2. Anti-racism and accountability (p. 7): Continuing effort to identify the sin of racism and its effects; make structural changes that will promote greater accountability and enable us to escape and avoid traps of institutional racism
  3. Reconciliation and restoration (p. 8): Develop a positive vision of shalom; Model shalom in our community

Key Goals

  • Develop a more racially and culturally diverse and welcoming campus (p. 55, 57, 59)
  • Instruction will reflect significant sensitivity to racial and cultural diversity. Curriculum will introduce students to global perspectives and impart a commitment to counter racism and embody reconciliation (p.61, 62, 63).
  • Programing will celebrate international commitments and reflect the diversity present in the student body (p. 64).
  • All constituencies that support the university will understand and embrace Calvin’s commitment to racial justice and reconciliation (p. 65).
  • The physical campus will reflect, respect, and invite a diverse campus community (p.68)
  • The university will work towards a multicultural campus, not simply as a high-minded ideal, but as if it is a dictate of biblical justice. (p.69)
  • The university will regularly evaluate the intercultural sensitivity and cross-cultural experiences of the campus (p.70)

FEN Timeline, Progress, and Milestones

  • 1985 “Comprehensive Plan for Integrating North American Ethnic Minority Persons and Their Interests into Every Facet of Calvin’s Institutional Life”
  • 1999 Denomination initiates participation in Crossroads Anti-Racism training
  • 2001–2003 Comprehensive Plan study and revisions
  • 2003 FEN ratification by faculty
  • 2004 FEN ratification by board of trustees
  • 2008–2009 FEN goals under 5-year review
  • 2010 Fifth critical area, Campus Climate, is added and approved by Faculty Senate
  • 2012 Amended FEN Professional Development Requirements for faculty are approved
  • 2013 The Interim Executive Associate to the President for Diversity and Inclusion position is added to the president’s office staff and the president’s cabinet.
  • The Dean for Intercultural Student Development position is added to the student development office.
  • 2014 Strengthening Diversity and Inclusion Efforts theme is included in Strategic Plan: 2019 (Strategic Plan 2019).
  • 2015 Calvin College receives “Credentialed Partner” designation from Partners for a Racism-free Community (PRFC). 
    The Executive Associate to the President for Diversity and Inclusion position is permanently added to the president’s office staff and the president’s cabinet.
  • The Executive Associate to the President for Diversity and Inclusion position is permanently added to the president’s office staff and the president’s cabinet.
  • The Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion is added to the Provost Office.
  • The President’s Advisory Team for Diversity and Inclusion is formed.
  • 2016 IMPACT Orientation for Calvin AHANA students is launched.
  • Military Friendly School: GI JOBS recognized Calvin College in 2016 as a Military Friendly School based on the college’s academic programs, reputation and support of student veterans.
  • 2017 Best College for Veterans: Calvin College ranks #1 on 2017 U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges for Veterans” list (among institutions in the Regional Colleges Midwest category).
  • 2018Vision 2030 framework is approved by Board of Trustees and Synod. The Vision framework proposes becoming a university with an expanded global influence by 2020 and includes “diversity and inclusion” as an institutional value.

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