By Alaina Perdon
Elm Staff Writer
On Jan. 18, the Washington College Office of Student Affairs announced the departure of Director of Intercultural Affairs Carese Bates. Bates also served as co-chair of the Campus Diversity Committee and led the Bias Education Response Team, making her an integral component of diversity and equity education at WC.
According to an email sent by Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Sarah Feyerherm, Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Success Tricia Biles will fulfill Bates’s former responsibilities while the College searches for a permanent replacement.
In recent years, conversations surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become more frequent. These conversations are catalyzed predominantly by students in the form of social media discussions and public rallies. During a period of increasing effort and progress toward DEI on campus, the departure of a prominent figure in diversity advocacy is a significant loss to the community.
According to Black Student Union President junior Jonah Nicholson, Bates’ leaving is an emotional loss, particularly for students working closely with her on DEI-related projects.
Despite the current absence of a permanent faculty leader, DEI progress on campus cannot stop. Instead, the movement must continue to be driven by the student body, using the models Bates helped to establish.
“I know the big worry is that we will stop having DEI programs,” Student Government Association Secretary of Diversity and Culture junior Nali Gowon said. “But overall, I’ve seen a big growth in student leaders on campus, so I do not think there will be the sort of fall-through people are worried about.”
Rather than hinder progress, a change in leadership could be beneficial as it will show areas toward which more effort must be directed and further motivate student involvement.
“With [Bates] gone, I think more people will realize how much she was doing for the school on her own,” Gowon said. “I think the rising student leaders will take the initiative to take on some of these projects and make them their own.”
The increased inclusion of student perspectives will ensure any decisions made align with students’ needs for a safe and inclusive campus.
Student involvement in the DEI movement on campus does not always have to mean committing to large-scale projects or leadership roles. Small, everyday changes contribute to a more inclusive campus community and help uphold the values promoted by these organized groups.
“I wish more students knew ‘inclusion’ does not have to be that deep. There is no cheat code for DEI, just treat each other with respect,” Nicholson said. “It can be as simple as inviting someone to sit in the empty seat next to you in class.”
For DEI to truly be inclusive, participation is necessary from students of all demographics. Though consideration is needed to avoid overshadowing or misrepresenting minority experiences, the involvement of white, able-bodied, or non-LGBTQ+ students creates the diverse, mutually-respectful community DEI initiatives strive to foster.
“From my white peers, I would like to see a willingness to actually do something, rather than just saying ‘something needs to be done,’” Nicholson said. “If you think we need more DEI events, try to host them. If you think Greek life needs to diversify, start working with [those] organizations to accomplish that. Be involved in the changes you want to see.”
At a predominantly white institution, there is a particular need for white students to not only amplify the voices of their peers of color, but actively promote DEI on campus.
“White students can lead DEI events and can be a part of these conversations. I want them to be open to these possibilities so we can have more productive conversations about DEI on campus,” Gowon said.
While great progress can emerge from student-led activism, it is not only the responsibility of the students to ensure their own well-being on campus. Bates was a crucial figure in establishing faculty support on student issues, a valuable resource that cannot vanish moving forward.
To ensure a successful transition to a new director of intercultural affairs, the administration must actively include students in the search process, a task many are eager to take on.
“Groups like BSU and Asian Student Union are worried. We once had so many faculty allies and now they are leaving,” Nicholson said. “But we are so willing to help search for someone to fill the position and hope the administration will include us in these conversations.”
Bates’ departure is a significant loss to the College; however, the community can continue to uphold the values and promote the changes she advocated for while in her position.
Elm Archives Photo
Featured Photo Caption: Students have demonstrated the importance of taking action in response to DEI concerns in the past. The WC community will benefit from continued student involvement in Bates’ absence.