By: La Vie staff writer

President James MacLaren has invited the entire LVC community to stand in unity with, and support of, LGBTQ+ students, employees and community members as the College raises the new Progress Pride Flag on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m. outside the Mund College Center on the Social Quad.

The previous Pride flag was vandalized two weeks ago. President MacLaren had indicated in a campus email that a student did come forward and take responsibility for the incident.

In his communication with staff and students last week, President MacLaren did apologize for the delay in communication about the incident. He indicated he was working on improving communication protocols to address any future issues more quickly.

In addition, President MacLaren said he’s working with College leadership to address the shared concerns and identify immediate action to increase safety and belonging.

Other items taken directly from the email:

In alignment with the Imagine LVC strategic plan, the College is creating a documented plan and timeline for training staff in diversity and inclusive hiring practices. Staff are required to participate in professional development related to diversity, equity, and inclusion annually and there is accountability through policies in the staff handbook and the annual performance evaluation process. New faculty onboarding now includes Brave Zone training on gender and sexuality and a session on inclusive classrooms and pedagogy. Faculty accountability follows the Faculty Policy Manual and human resources policies. Student behavioral expectations and accountability are outlined in the Student Conduct Code.

Dr. Felicia Brown-Haywood and Dr. Bob Mikus, the vice presidents of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence and student affairs, will lead the implementation of a new model for Inclusive Excellence programming and strategies. This collaborative, cross-divisional approach will address institutional and systemic issues related to diversity, equity, inclusiveness, belonging, and Inclusive Excellence and create opportunities for students to learn, be engaged, and be celebrated. It will complement the work of the second pillar of Imagine LVC, Inclusive Excellence. The Inclusive and Intercultural Learning Committee, which includes faculty, staff, and student members, will expand programming to engage the campus community throughout the academic year. We will work to find an installation site for the mural students designed last semester as symbol celebrating diversity and inclusion at LVC.

RESOURCES

Bias Incidents—Report a bias incident online. We ask you to report bias incidents so the College can respond promptly. Reports also provide us with data to get a clearer picture of campus climate. Allies and bystanders can make a difference by reporting incidents and intervening if it is safe to do so. If you see something, say something.

A bias incident is a perceived act of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation committed by or against a member of the Lebanon Valley College community based on actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. These acts may include, but are not limited to, slurs, graffiti, written messages, or images that harass or intimidate individuals or groups because of their membership in the above-listed protected classes. Certain reported acts of potential bias may be constitutionally protected speech and thus may not be subject to College action. Lebanon Valley College values open expression and debate in the context of civility and mutual respect for diverse individuals and communities; bias incidents directly impact our ability to know, trust, support, and learn from one another.

Bias Response and Education Team—

The Bias Response and Education Team (BRET) serves as a safe resource for members of the Lebanon Valley College community to raise concerns regarding incidents of bias or acts of harassment and discrimination that impact them and the College community. BRET assists the Lebanon Valley College community by providing resources to individuals impacted by and/or involved in a reported incident. BRET is not a disciplinary body; reported incidents that potentially violate College policy may result in accountability through the College’s disciplinary processes. 

Campus Conduct Hotline—1-866-943-5787 (confidential and anonymous)

The Lebanon Valley College Campus Conduct Hotline is a confidential, independent resource that provides the LVC community with a simple, anonymous way to alert College officials of unsafe or unethical behavior. The Campus Conduct Hotline is not a first responder system. If this is an emergency, please call 911.

Outer Space: LGBTQ+ Support Group—for students through Counseling Services on Thursdays from 3–4:30 p.m. in Shroyer: no registration necessary—just show up! 

• Counselors Nicole Grier and Ann Burris also have open office hours 11 am.–noon on the second floor of Bishop Library—no appointments needed.

5050 Peer Helpers—Kyle Echterling ’23, Molly Faron ’23, Andrew Kalmanowicz ’24, and Johna Wetzel ’24 are available to listen to students. Visit here to see their office and weekend group hours and set an appointment.

Brave Zone—The Brave Zone Network trains LVC students, faculty, and staff with the goal of creating an on-campus network of allies and members of the LGBT+ community. The program educates members regarding how to address issues involving the community and how to advocate for peers, family members, and other acquaintances. A large portion of Brave Zone training focuses on education. Trainees are immersed in situations that members of the LGBT+ community often encounter so they will be able to understand the oppression the community experiences. Students can sign up for Brave Zone training on Redbook. Faculty and staff can contact Dr. Liz Sterner at esterner@lvc.edu.

The Pride Network—a group for LGBTQ+ faculty, staff, and allies: Contact Barbara Prince at prince@lvc.edu to join.

Student Government Equity Reps can work with Student Government to advocate for change.

Counseling Services—Request an Appointment or call 717-867-6232

Student Affairs—Dr. Bob Mikus (mikus@lvc.edu), Dean Sarah Shupp (shupp@lvc.edu), or Dean Jeremy Munson (munson@lvc.edu)

Spiritual Life—Chaplain Andrea Haldeman (haldeman@lvc.edu)

Public Safety—If you feel unsafe or are confronted by someone, call Public Safety at 717-867-6111. Keep this number in your cell phone. You can also call Public Safety from any blue light location on campus. An officer can escort you on campus.