By Assistant Professor Irvin Manuel Gonzalez
This autumn 2024 Chair Charles O. Anderson formed the J.E.D.I. (Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) standing committee in ongoing efforts to foster a culture of mutual respect, trust and cooperation rooted in care within the Department of Dance. Led by Committee Chair Dr. Irvin Manuel Gonzalez in collaboration with committee members Dr. Sinjini Chatterjee, Norah Zuñiga-Shaw, Ryan Johnson, Kym McDaniel and Damian Bowerman, the work of J.E.D.I. seeks to build definitions for key terms in D.E.I.J. work and initiatives, while building a space of belonging for all members of the department, and cultivating commitment to a addressing systemic inequities, promoting authentic inclusion, reimagining professionalism and fostering constructive dialogue. "As chair, I’ve observed how the cultural push for consensus can often serve as a way to avoid addressing deeper systemic issues, allowing entrenched inequities to persist under the appearance of harmony in academic institutions,” says Anderson. “The J.E.D.I. committee’s work represents a much-needed shift toward courageous dialogue and intentional action. By grounding our department in principles of equity and inclusion and cultivating spaces for authentic belonging, they are holding space for redefining professionalism and cooperation—not as superficial agreement, but as alignment rooted in genuine shared commitment to justice, equity and growth."
Grounded in antiracist and multidisciplinary considerations of justice, equity, diversity and inclusivity the J.E.D.I. committee worked to identify how the department can continue to build a space where all bodies can feel seen and welcomed in their wholeness—identity, mind, body and spirit. Over the course of autumn semester, the committee engaged with the work of the Kirwin Institute, Equality Labs, Maeve Plummer, Dr. Sarah Saska, bell hooks, the Nap Ministry, Paulo Freire, and more, to develop a statement that acknowledges areas of strength and growth in the study of dance while making a promise for current and future members that the department remains committed to addressing issues related to race, gender, sexuality, disabilities, caste, class, citizenship and nationality.
The first draft of J.E.D.I.’s statement of principles and belonging within Ohio State’s Department of Dance was finished in November 2024 and the committee plans to share it with the faculty, administrative team and students during the beginning months of spring semester to implement feedback. The goal of this statement is to be a collaborative promise to a culture of cooperation within our department’s ongoing work with one another. In addition to this, the statement focuses on understanding the future directions of dance by committing to a continued, critical examination of departmental rules, policies, practices, and culture in order to make space for new bodies, perspectives and practices to join our community.
To maintain the collaborative spirit of J.E.D.I.’s mission, the committee has also developed a climate survey that was finalized in December 2024 and is to be shared with the department of dance in January of Spring 2025. The goal of this survey is to identify strengths and opportunities within our programming, curriculum and offerings in order to contemplate new and exciting directions for the Department of Dance. In engaging ongoing feedback rooted in dialogue, conversation and accountability, the J.E.D.I. committee remains committed to building safer dance spaces.
As the semester ends, the committee would like to thank Chair Anderson for his guidance and support.
