President’s Commission on Human Relations & Equity
DRAFT Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Present:
Juan Carlos Gonzalez
Francine Oputa
Cynthia Teniente-Matson
Susana Hernandez
Alex Espinoza
Luz Gonzalez
Judy Clements
Gwen Burks
Ivan Pagan
Suzanne Kotkin-Jaszi
Brian Tsukimura
Brittany Grice
Brenda Sifuentez
Moncia Fuentas
Susan Elrod
Michael Caldwell
Absent:
Christina Roybal
Janice Brown
Dawn Lewis
Angel Sanchez
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Brenda Sifuentes
Ronald Avedisian
Haak Boardroom 4115
Meeting commenced at approximately 1:05 p.m. A quorum was present.
I. Welcome
Chair Matson welcomed the commission and asked that item B (Online Civility Module Discussion) be moved to the end of the
agenda.
II. Cultural Climate Study Update
Dr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez introduced Melissa Vang who will be the student assistant conducting a literature review on campus
climate studies across the country. This review will help define cultural campus climate and will include classroom learning
experiences. Although the prior survey had limitations, it will be used as a foundation for the next study. The groups included in
the study will be faculty, staff, and administrators. Dr. Angel Sanchez suggested one-on-one interviews with executive leadership
and Associate Vice Presidents. Chair Matson suggested adding a focus group for the cabinet and to include Deans in the focus
groups that comprised the administrators in order to increase the sample size of that group and avoid saturation. Jan Parten
suggested including directors and managers in order to increase the breadth of administrator representatives.
Dr. Francine Oputa asked how the identities of underrepresented minorities in manager roles would be protected. Dr. Juan Carlos
Gonzalez explained that the identity of each group will be protected by generalization of demographics. Chair Matson suggested
including administrators from each division. Jan Parten suggested including athletics as well. Janice Brown suggested including
student staff members as a part of the staff focus groups. Jan Parten suggested aligning the study with the University's Strategic
Plan. Dr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez asked for assistance in identifying site leaders to help conduct focus groups and interviews and
post group discussions. Chair Matson stated that the study was very well received by the cabinet.
III. Heritage Banners & Recognizing Religious Beliefs
Chair Matson asked the commission to confirm the schedule for the federally recognized heritage months in order to print the
remaining banners. The commission confirmed the remaining months and agreed to print Cesar Chavez Day banners for the month
of March since it is a state holiday.
Chair Matson asked the commission to consider how the PCHRE could recognize religious beliefs. The commission looked over
the sample banner. Dr. Dawn Lewis was concerned about a secular institution showcasing support for religions and thought that
perhaps legal counsel would be prudent before printing any banners. Dr. Michael Caldwell suggested including other terms such as
“spirituality” and “beliefs” in order to be more inclusive. Chair Matson suggested using the word “respects” instead of
"celebrates.” Dr. Francine Oputa stated that the campus wellness wheel already uses the term “spirituality.” Dr. Janel Pitt and Dr.
Janice Brown suggested taking out the word cloud in order to ensure that no belief is left out.
PCHRE Meeting
January 16, 2014
Page 2
Dr. Juan Carlos asked if religion is actually celebrated on campus. Dr. Michael Caldwell stated that Dr. Andrew Fiala posts events
that celebrate different religions and beliefs. Dr. Juan Carlos suggested considering atheists when designing the banners. Dr.
Michael Caldwell and Jan Parten both agreed that the banner might address the respect of choice and religious beliefs and
spirituality. Dr. Juan Carlos Gonzalez suggested including more student leaders in this discussion. Chair Matson agreed to update
the banner and return to further discuss this topic with more input from the commission and students.
IV. Diversity Forum
Chair Matson asked the commission to consider topics that could be discussed during the February Diversity Forum. Dr. Michael
Caldwell suggested getting the word out much earlier for events like these so that faculty could have time to prepare and build the
forum into their syllabus. Dr. Francine Oputa stated that this was early enough to have the forum. Dr. Susanna Hernandez agreed
that the dialogue on campus has already been happening and students are excited to have an event like this as soon as possible.
Chair Matson stated that a special meeting would be called to develop the schedule and topics for the diversity forum.
IV. Parking Lot:
1.
Online Civility Module