If you talk to Temple University faculty, staff and students, there is a popular proclamation that you will commonly hear: "We are the Diversity University."
Over the years, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs have become increasingly available across Temple University, creating spaces where the diverse perspectives
Dr. Carrie Snyder is Temple University’s Director of Disability Resources and Services, leading a team that provides students with the appropriate accommodations they need to access the campus community. Dr. Snyder brings to Temple a long and distinguished record of advocacy and education in the disability field and in higher education. She joined Temple in May 2022 and has already made a tremendous impact. Dr. Snyder graciously shared her insights with the Idealist.
Idealist:
How should we address persons with disabilities?
Dr. Snyder:
It varies. Some prefer identity-first language like "disabled person" or "autistic." Others prefer person-first language, such as "person with a disability" or "person with autism." Communities often have preferences; for instance, person-first language is common in mental health contexts. It’s the difference between referring to someone as a schizophrenic vs. a person with schizophrenia which is most often preferred. I adapt, using both to honor diverse perspectives.
Idealist:
Talk about a...
In November 2023, the Office of IDEAL welcomed a new faculty and staff exclusive event called "What's the DiversiTEA" into their lineup of engaging dialogues on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The goal? Prioritize discussing disabilities in DEI spaces, instead of treating them as an afterthought.
This project was spearheaded by Dr. Valerie Dudley, who hosted Timely Topics before the pandemic. The community would gather for lunch and chat about current events related to DEI. Dudley's desire for change triggered the switch to the 'What's the DiversiTEA' sessions.
As in-person events started to return, and with IDEAL's newly renovated office and location, what better time to bring people back together and host these critical conversations? Hosting the event around 3 p.m. allowed staff to easily come in, grab some food and tea, and discuss before returning home for the day.
The first DiversiTEA session featured Carrie E. Snyder, the Director of Disability Resources and Services, discussing how disability is a large part of the diversity space. Building on the success of these dialogues, Dr. Dudley expanded the series to include film...
The Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Megan Patrick as Title IX coordinator.
Dr. Patrick has spent the past 15 years of her career here at Temple University. She previously held roles involved with Student Affairs such as within University Housing and Residential Life, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Fraternity and Sorority Life.
She has always had a passion for advocating for students. Her new role as Title IX coordinator continues to allow her to continue to advocate for...
The IDEALIST:
What are the most pressing Title IX issues facing our campus community?
Dr. Patrick:
“I think a lot of it comes from barriers to reporting. We may not know everything that is going on campus because people have a variety of reasons. Whether they’re ashamed, worried about retribution, or nervous about what their peers are going to think. They don’t want it to become a reality so for a variety of different reasons, individuals aren’t reporting.
The other thing is that Title IX is a confidential practice, and it can be...
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