New report details progress in diversity, inclusion and equity at MU

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A new report from the American Council of Education said the University of Missouri made progress in diversity, inclusion and equity efforts in the last five years.

The report was the second look at how MU's practices have moved forward since protests against racism in 2015. The first report was published in 2018.

The new report said MU's ability to effectively respond to diversity, inclusion and equity issues has moved from "low" in 2015 to "moderate" in 2019. The ACE attributed that in part to the university's Inclusive Excellence Framework.

That framework was put in place by the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in 2017. It's aimed at developing more inclusive practices and programs across the UM system.

While MU has made progress since 2015, both the ACE and UM System President Mun Choi said there is still work to be done.

"The pace and impact of change is not evenly spread throughout our university. There are divergent views about our progress; some express praise while others express frustration," Choi said in a letter attached to the report.

"Bridging these perspectives is part of our process of change that we expect to progress through continual education, communication, and action across all levels of leadership, the campus community, and the greater
Mizzou family."