SGA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training Interview Ft. Maya Sanchez

Morgan Ross | maross2@butler.edu 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion training sessions and modules are embraced here at Butler University to serve students from many different backgrounds and experiences in life. DEI training serves as a resource to inspire ideas and engage the community in creating a learning and working environment that is more accessible, welcoming, and diverse.

Maya Sanchez is a firm advocate for DEI training, assisting in the formation of sessions, resources, and doing research behind the scenes. The interview with her covered several questions and answers regarding the DEI training and its impact on people and campus life.

Students and faculty have been knowledgeable about DEI training in regards to online modules, for the most part, however, in-person sessions have been up and running more frequently now as they are more effective. Sanchez states that “The importance and purpose of this training are to build DEI into part of SGA’s culture. We would like to have DEI be included in members' decision making from the start and not when a problem arises or gets too large on campus.” Such training will hopefully create a more welcoming environment.

One topic of discussion was if Butler creates a safe space that enables difficult conversations through DEI. With the wide variety of student organizations such as Latinx Student Union, Black Student Union, APIA, Alliance, and more, DEI discussions are utilized to spread more awareness. Sanchez went into depth saying how “they have dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to host these events. Especially through the Diversity Center (DC),” Yet, when it comes to the university, she believes that more initiative and action could be taken. “It is upsetting when students are feeling burnt out by having to create and host these difficult conversations themselves with little to no support from the university. I think there are good steps that have been made in recent years. Especially with the creation of The Hub for Black Affairs and Community Engagement started by Dr. Terri Jett.” 

With a new and upcoming training that has been tailored to be more constructive, the question of whether or not DEI will be impactful, where people can walk away with actionable goals is raised. Sanchez herself truly believes so through her experience working with the facilitators of training sessions. They have discussed a question of “how do we develop actionable steps once students leave training?”. Therefore, she states, “We have made sure to include a what to do now portion at the end of the training, so students know exactly how to take the information they have learned into their positions on SGA.”

So where to start? What are ways people can become more immersed in diversity here on campus? There are numerous ways, especially through organizations. Sanchez recommends subscribing to the Diversity Center Newsletter, which sends out weekly updates on upcoming DEI events. Another newsletter to follow is The Hub for Black Affairs & Community Engagement, students can subscribe to their newsletter here. Students should also pay attention to the Diversity Program Council (DPC @butler_dpc) which hosts fun and informative events. 

A final note from Sanchez is that February is Black History Month, and she strongly encourages checking out events on campus for this semester through Engage. 

For more information, questions, or concerns about DEI or general inquiries, please visit Butler Engage and Butler SGA’s website.