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Center for Student Inclusion and Belonging has introduced the Anti-Hate Initiative, a new cross-divisional effort to reinforce Loyola’s ability to identify, respond to, and prevent harassment, discrimination, and hate-related behavior while encouraging pluralistic ideals based in respect and dignity.
“This initiative will further empower our university, and our students, to continue to cultivate a campus climate where all Ramblers feel safe, cared for, included, and, ultimately, that they belong here at Loyola,” said Keith M. Champagne, vice president for student development.
Led by Cory Barnes, director of unity and belonging, the initiative marks the first of its kind among the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
“Our work, at its core, is rooted in and guided by our Jesuit mission and Ignatian values, which call on us and our students to recognize the dignity of every person,” said Barnes. “Through this work, we can accompany students to become people for and with others—in the classroom, on campus, and throughout their lives.”
In its first year and beyond, the initiative’s efforts will be guided by four pillars: education, response, coalition, and assessment.
- Education: Deliver anti-hate curriculum and training through a corps of student peer leaders from Rambler Analyzing Ideals, or “Idealists,” to teach students how to recognize and respond to bias, hate, and discrimination.
- Response: Provide a clear, documented support and accompaniment pathway that supports affected students in coordination with campus partners that can help mediate conflict and restore justice.
- Coalition: Share ownership across Loyola staff, faculty, and students and external community partners to ensure the work is impactful, durable, and sustainable.
- Assessment: Conduct ongoing measurement and assessment of institutional and human impact, defined by knowledge, confidence, behavior, and climate.
In addition to student-led training and curriculum, this framework reinforces Loyola’s existing support pathways through collaboration with key campus stakeholders, including the Office for Equity and Compliance, the Wellness Center, the Office of the Dean of Students, Mission Integration, and Campus Ministry. Together, these collaborative efforts aim to help students navigate differences and bias, respond to discriminatory behavior, and access care, adjudication, and conflict resolution.
“An essential part of Loyola’s promise of a transformational education means helping students learn how to respect and engage with one another despite our difference,” said Astrid Beltrán, assistant vice president for diversity and student engagement.
Through additional partnerships with the Office of the Provost, the initiative will inform, support, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities. The initiative will also seek to strengthen Loyola’s relationship with community partners who are doing critical advocacy and intervention work across Chicagoland.
“Hate does not happen in a vacuum, and neither will our work,” explained Barnes. “Our partnerships will be critical to ensuring our work is impactful, sustainable, and reflective of the current, ongoing challenge and the needs of our community.”
“It is our responsibility, to our students and our global community, to prepare the next generation of leaders to be able to prevent and address instances of hate, which will in turn empower them to create a more just and loving world,” said Champagne.
Students, faculty, staff, and community partners are invited to learn more about the Anti-Hate Initiative. To partner with the initiative, contact Cory Barnes.
