President's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
![Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council members](https://cnu.edu/_assets/img/misc/diversity_council_members/diversity-council-group/christopher-newport-university-presidents-council-on-dei-400x285.jpg)
The Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion spotlights and applauds these steps, small and large, to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at Christopher Newport University:
- The council developed the university's first Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and it was approved by President Trible
- The university expanded the Community Captains program with Newport News Public Schools to prepare first-generation and low socioeconomic-level high school students for college, and widened a fundraising campaign to reduce the cost of attendance.
- The university added diversity, equity and inclusion as values and added them to orientation for every new employee. A statement about this has also been included in many position postings.
- The first Jewish studies faculty member with a named professorship is entering his second year of teaching and involving increasing numbers of students in his research.
- MLK Day 2020 was marked with the university's most comprehensive program yet, and it included pausing classes to encourage student, faculty and staff attendance.
- The university partnered with Strive for College, a nonprofit dedicated to improving equity in access to higher education.
- The university solidified its record as a statewide pacesetter in procuring goods and services through Virginia's small, women-owned and minority-owned business certification program.