The University Libraries, in collaboration with the UNC Office of Equity & Inclusion, assembled an online guide providing resources to help educate members of the UNC community and raise awareness of different lived experiences. The guide includes both academic and popular resources, and it is meant to be a living document, with updates being made and a link for suggestions.
This research guide is a starting point for discovering UNC Library resources on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and anti-racist topics. Useful for research, class assignments, personal self-discovery or improvement, and general curiosity, the guide highlights examples of Libraries-owned books, journals, and DVDs, as well as additional information found in databases and the Archives & Special Collections. All of these resources are freely available to UNC students, staff, and faculty.
This is one of many steps being undertaken at UNC, in the nation, and around the globe. Marches in Greeley calling for an end to systemic inequities for people of color and others have highlighted how our local community is affected. In addition, higher education is examining its role in preparing students for a diverse work environment.
UNC is becoming more diverse and is on a path to being an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) within 5 years. With steadily increasing enrollment of students identifying as Latinx, the university is readying resources, including those within the Division of Student Affairs. With “social justice education...at the core of [their] collaborative practice” (as emphasized in the Equity Statement on the Office of Equity & Inclusion web page), Student Affairs is deeply invested in DEI and anti-racist work.
Another step taken by UNC is the creation of Bears Against Racial Strife. Formed by the UNC Athletics Department and student-athletes, the committee is intended to start conversation, recognize and acknowledge the social and systemic injustices in society, and take action against racial injustice. The committee’s objective is to unite a diverse collection of individuals, to reflect, celebrate, and recognize the diversities of all Bears in the UNC community while working towards making UNC an inclusive and safe environment.
- Quote from Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. (SAAC)
The University Libraries guide (linked again here) supports those who are new to studying institutional bias and racism, as well as those who know it well. The guide directs interested individuals to both scholarly resources and popular culture, those owned by the Libraries, and those freely available across the world. We invite you to explore, learn, and come to appreciate the different lived experiences of our fellow Bears.
