On June 26, Drexel University launched an anti-racism task force “to support the Black community at Drexel and eradicate racism in University policies and practices.” Wendy Greene, professor of law, and Danielle Boardley, director of diversity, inclusion, and student belonging, have been selected to serve on the task force.
Greene, who said that she agreed to serve on the task force “without hesitation,” has been appointed co-chair of the faculty recruitment and retention committee, which will be “evaluating formal policies, informal practices, and structures that may be inhibiting greater entry, retention, and professional development of Black faculty, administrators and staff.”
With years of experience advocating for racial, color and gender equity in the workplace, Greene says the guiding principle underlying her work is to utilize “a critical, reflective lens to fully appreciate the role of race in institutional decision-making in tandem with cultivating equitable, healthy and inclusive workplaces for marginalized peoples so that they may thrive and actualize their highest potential in these spaces.”
Danielle Boardley, director of diversity, inclusion, and student belonging, at the Kline School of Law.
Boardley, whose persistent commitment to diversity and inclusion at Kline led to the creation of her current position, will be doing similar work as co-chair of the professional staff recruitment and retention committee. She said that the opportunity was one she couldn’t pass up. “To have a hand in developing anti-racist strategies that address any disproportionate policies or procedures that will support my current and future colleagues of color is a charge that I don’t take lightly,” said Boardley. “I am grateful for the opportunity to make systemic changes within the university.”
Throughout their time at Kline, both Greene and Boardley have spearheaded initiatives to increase diversity and create an inclusive community at Kline and throughout the legal field. These efforts have stood out to law school leadership. “I am incredibly proud that Wendy and Danielle are part of our community. Each brings passion and creativity to their work and they share a commitment to fighting racism, enhancing diversity, and building communities that are inclusive in fact—not just in name,” said Dean Dan Filler. “The anti-racism task force, and Drexel at large, will benefit from their wisdom, empathy and strong strategic thinking.”
Initial reports generated by the task force will be shared with the Drexel community during the fall semester, according to President John Fry’s announcement.