Natasha Martin, JD, vice president for Diversity and Inclusion and associate professor of law, created an action plan that provides a framework for the university to continue advancing inclusive excellence and align anti-racism to its strategic direction and purpose.

Known officially as LIFT SU: Inclusive Excellence Action Plan for Racial Equity and Anti-racism 2020-2021, the plan incorporates the following principles:

Listen and learn     
Impact through intentional action    
Fail forward     
Transform together 

“This is about realizing a more unified Seattle University strategy and greater integration to better position Seattle U to transform the institution through a shared equity agenda,” says Martin.

Natasha Martin, JD

The plan states, “As a Jesuit Catholic university, we commit to racial justice not only in our stated values and mission, but also commit to anti-racist education as institutional practice. We proclaim that Black Lives Matter and seek to more closely align antiracism to strategic direction and purpose.

“Anti-racism is central to our efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University… We will prioritize affirmation of and allyship with our Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community at Seattle University and take strategic action to address systemic racism and impact throughout the institution.”

Additionally, five “… action steps are a further evolution of the 2016 comprehensive blueprint—Task Force on Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Final Report and Recommendations—and align with the university’s Strategic Directions adopted by the Board of Trustees in January 2020:

1. Recruitment and Retention of BIPOC Students 
2. Bias Prevention and Campus Climate Care
3. Recruitment and Retention of BIPOC Faculty and Staff 
4. Narrative Through Art and Symbols 
5. Build Capacity and Invest in Infrastructure