The following timeline represents an overview of diversity, equity, and inclusion-related events and milestones that have occurred at Colorado State University over the past ten years. This timeline is not all encompassing; there are many earlier points not included such as the formation of the Student Diversity Programs and Services offices or all publicly reported bias incidents.

What this timeline aims to achieve is to provide a more full representation of the challenges and progress as CSU works to be a university that is truly welcoming of all communities. We embrace our missteps so that we can learn and do better. We embrace our achievements so that we can honor the hard work of the countless individuals who have contributed to equity and justice work at Colorado State University. There is much more work to do and this timeline will continue to be updated as we move forward.

Please note: This timeline is updated at the end of each academic semester.

2020, December

Equity & Inclusion Network Launches DEI Forums

The Equity and Inclusion Network launches the first DEI Forum, gathering together all CSU employees who serve on diversity, equity, and inclusion-related committees, to share best practices, provide expert advice from the EIN members, and guide employees in their work

2020, December

2020, December

CSU Fermentation Program Receives Diversity Scholarship Gift

AC Golden creates a Brewing Change Scholarship Fund to boost diversity in the brewing industry through CSU’s Fermentation Sciences program

2020, December

2020, November

Student Athletes Come Forward with Experiences of Sexual Misconduct

Several student-athletes share their experiences of sexual misconduct, and the university’s response, with local media. Faculty Council hosts a meeting to discuss the university’s handling of the situation and pose questions regarding next steps and expectations

2020, November

2020, November

President McConnell Announces Action Plan Related to Athletics’ Investigation

President McConnell sends a university-wide email announcing an action plan in relation to the Athletics’ investigation

2020, November

2020, November

VP of Diversity, Mary Ontiveros, Retiring

Vice President of Diversity, Mary Ontiveros, announces her retirement, beginning January 1, 2021, to the university community after 47 years of service. A national search for her predecessor will be launched

2020, November

2020, October

Historic Gift Made to Native American Cultural Center

The Ottens Foundation makes a $700,000 gift to the Native American Cultural Center, the largest current/cash gift in NACC’s history. The gift will sustain NACC’s operations for the next 10 years

2020, October

2020, October

President McConnell Hosts Tell Me More Series

President Joyce McConnell hosts the Tell Me More series and sits down with Camille Dungy and Claudia Rankine, authors and academics, to discuss Equity and Inclusion at CSU

2020, October

2020, October

Rams Read Launches Website

Rams Read, the committee leading the Campus Read initiative that encourages the university community to read together and discuss what they’ve read, launches a new website. The committee co-hosts Claudia Rankine, author of Citizen: an American Lyricas part of the 20th Annual Diversity Symposium

2020, October

2020, October

20th Annual Diversity Symposium

The Office of the Vice President for Diversity hosts the 20th Annual Diversity Symposium in a virtual format, and over 3,000 CSU students, faculty, and staff register and participate in the week-long events. All sessions are recorded and made available to campus immediately after

2020, October

2020, September

CSU System Launches Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Rights. Campaign

CSU Fort Collins, CSU Pueblo and CSU Global work with the Colorado State University System to launch an initiative called Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Rights. to encourage civic engagement, voting, and informed discourse in advance of the 2020 election

2020, September

2020, August

CSU Community Marches on Anniversary of MLK, Jr. Speech

Speakers from campus and the Fort Collins community address a crowd of nearly 300 participants at the DreamN2020 event on CSU’s Oval, organized and led by CSU student veteran Julius Philpot

2020, August

2020, August

How Leaders Can Take Action to Advance Equity Session

The Office of the Vice President for Diversity hosts university leaders in a Q&A session on advancing equity, as a follow-up to their earlier summer session on anti-racism actions

2020, August

2020, August

New Division Readies Response to Title IX Changes

The new Division of Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, led by VP Diana Prieto, shares information regarding the Title IX federal changes and CSU’s response

2020, August

2020, August

President McConnell Announces Athletics Investigation

In response to allegations of racism and verbal abuse, President McConnell announces an independent investigation of CSU Athletics, led by law firm Husch Blackwell

2020, August

2020, July

President McConnell Launches Rams Read

President McConnell emails the university community to announce Rams Read, a new social justice reading initiative centering Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine

2020, July

2020, July

University Leadership Participate in Anti-Racism Session

University leadership, including members of the Executive Leadership Team and the Deans, joined the Reverend Dr. Jamie Washington for a facilitated discussion about how to make CSU an anti-racist institution

2020, July

2020, July

CSU Athletics Together Initiative

CSU Athletics launches the Together Initiative, announced through Dr. Albert Bimper’s email messages calling all of the community to action following a CSU football player being violently and wrongfully held at gunpoint by a community member

2020, July

2020, June-July

Bias Incident

Three publicly shared bias incidents occur over the summer, including a racist and violent social media post, a violent and threatening act towards a CSU athlete of color by a community member, and a racist, fake restaurant listing

2020, June-July

2020, June

Office of the Vice President for Diversity Hosts Anti-Racism Q&A

Staff from the Office of the Vice President for Diversity host a Q&A session with faculty and staff from across the university on anti-racism and equity

2020, June

2020, June

Student Demands Website Launches

A new webpage to host information about student demands is launched under the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative website

2020, June

2020, June

Anti-Racism Summer Book Read

Several units, led by the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, launch a summer book read for CSU employees, purchasing and distributing 500 copies of How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi to employees and leadership, along with resources to inform actions

2020, June

2020, June

Athletics Launches Together Initiative

CSU Athletics announces the Together Initiative to commit to programming that advances equity in athletics and the greater university community

2020, June

2020, June

CSU Hosts Statewide Convening of Higher Ed Institutions Committed to Supporting Undocumented Students

CSU hosts a statewide convening of higher ed institutions committed to supporting undocumented students to share strategies and ideas, which fell shortly after the SCOTUS ruling on DACA.

2020, June

2020, June

Juneteenth Messaging

President McConnell sends a message to campus in honor of Juneteenth and pledges to consider future actions to observe the date as a university community moving forward.

2020, June

2020, May

Solidarity with Black Lives Matter

In solidarity with national protests responding to ongoing police brutality and the killing of George Floyd and countless other Black and African American people, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity releases a statement of solidarity. President Joyce McConnell shares the statement and offers her support.

2020, May

2020, May

RBEI Announces Proposal Decisions

The Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative sends a university-wide email announcing the selected proposal themes, as well as plans for the rest of the proposals received.

2020, May

2020, May

Faculty Council Moves to Enhance Diversity Learning

Faculty Council issues a statement of support for the students who have raised concerns about equity, diversity, and inclusion and approves changes to the core curriculum that places a new category of required diversity and dialogue coursework.

2020, May

2020, April

RBEI Names Co-Chair

Mary Ontiveros, vice president for diversity, is named as a co-chair of RBEI to serve alongside Blanche Hughes, vp of student affairs. RBEI announces work on the student demands and the next chapter of the initiative. 

2020, April

2020, March

Student Demands Working Group

A first meeting of CSU administrators is held in respond to the #NPTB Student Demands. The working group begins discussing each demand and a communications plan is created to share out the progress with the university by fall 2020.

2020, March

2020, March

RBEI Student Feedback

Student feedback sessions are conducted on behalf of the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative and include discussions with CREWS, Hillel, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, the President’s Multicultural Student Advisory Committee, Residence Hall Association, Residence Life, Student Diversity Programs & Services offices, and more.

2020, March

2020, March

#NPTB Student Demands

Leaders of the #NotProudtoBe student group present CSU administrators with a list of Student Demands. Administration meets with #NPTB leaders in a 4 hour meeting to hear directly from them and discuss their demands. 

2020, March

2020, February

RBEI Retreat

A half-day retreat is held for the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative working groups to review over 140 proposals received.

2020, February

2020, January

Bias Communications Task Force

A Bias Communications Task Force is convened to begin developing a communications plan for the Bias Reporting System, as well as the development of a new website. The Task Force sets a goal to complete their work by summer 2020.

2020, January

2020, January

RBEI Reviews Proposals

Nine RBEI working groups are established with over 65 faculty and staff to review proposals submitted to the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative. Two student interns join the RBEI to assist with student outreach and input.

2020, January

2019, December

RBEI Core Team Named

A Core Team is announced to collaborate and lead the charge for proposal review through the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative.

2019, December

2019, November

President McConnell Hosts Forum

President McConnell hosts an open forum for students.

2019, November

2019, November

RBEI Invites Speaker

Theo Wilson, an NAACP speaker, poet, and activist who publicly criticized CSU for their response to recent incidents of racism on campus, is invited to speak at the Lory Student Center by RBEI and President Joyce McConnell.

2019, November

2019, October

Jewish Community Meeting with President

President McConnell hosts a discussion with Jewish student and faculty leadership.

2019, October

2019, October

RBEI Chair Announced

Blanche Hughes, vice president for student affairs, is appointed as chair of the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative and a call for proposals is announced.

2019, October

2019, October

Learning Through Dialogue

A new learning community, Learning through Dialogue (LTD), receives support to move forward in partnership with SEED, Composition 101, SLiCE and University Housing.

2019, October

2019, September–November

VPD Listening Sessions

The Office of the Vice President for Diversity facilitates listening sessions with faculty and staff around race, bias and equity issues.

2019, September–November

2019, September

President McConnell’s Charge

President McConnell gives a direct charge to the President’s Executive Leadership Team to conduct internal audits and identify areas and programs in their units to address systemic racism, bias and/or equity issues.

2019, September

2019, September

Equity Toolkit

The Office of the Provost commits all academic units across campus to participate in the Colorado Department of Higher Education Equity Toolkit, a series of online modules designed to help faculty members better address racism, bias, equity, and related issues in their classrooms.

2019, September

2019, September

Fall Address & Protests

President McConnell delivers her first fall address and announces the Race, Bias, and Equity Initiative, hundreds of student representing the newly formed #NotProudtoBe group march in silent protest.

2019, September

2019, September

ASCSU Resolution

ASCSU votes on a resolution condemning anti-Semitism, with many members of Jewish organizations and students attending.

2019, September

2019, September

ASCSU Meeting

Hundreds of students attend an ASCSU meeting to denounce the blackface incident and share their frustrations with accountability. President McConnell, as well as several other members of CSU administration, are also in attendance.

2019, September

2019, September

Bias Incident

Drawings of a swastika are found in Aggie Village.

2019, September

2019, September

Bias Incident

Bias Incident: A student-created blackface post was shared widely on social media.

2019, September

2019, Fall

Additional Gender Options

Legal marker ‘x’ is included as third-gender option for students’ University records.

2019, Fall

2019, July

EverFi DEI Module

EverFi Diversity, Equity and Inclusion online module is rolled out as a beta test with several student employee groups. Over 700 student employees have a facilitated experience taking the module within their student employee role.

2019, July

2019, July

Intergroup Relations Staff Hired

First full-time staff member hired dedicated to leading student intergroup relations efforts and to supervise and build the SEED program.

2019, July

2019, March

First CSU Gender Summit

First CSU Gender Summit convenes over 50 groups working on employee based gender-related efforts.

2019, March

2018, December

Land Acknowledgment

CSU Land Acknowledgment officially adopted and shared during ASCSU sessions, commencements, conferences, and events.

2018, December

2018, Fall

Transgender Committee Formed

Transgender Oversight Committee is formed to continue addressing gender diversity inclusion on systemic levels.

2018, Fall

2018, Spring

“Think Tank: Free Speech Summit”

In collaboration with the President’s Office and General Counsel, VPD hosts the First Amendment Conversation Series and the “Think Tank: Free Speech Summit.” The day-long summit included a Presidential Panel and breakout sessions on various topics related to the First Amendment, free speech, and hate speech on campus.

2018, Spring

2018, August

Native American Advisory Formed

Native American Advisory Council to the President (formerly Task Force on Native American Initiatives) formed to make recommendations and advise the President.

2018, August

2018, Fall

President’s Council on Culture

President Frank creates President’s Council on Culture.

2018, Fall

2018, Fall

Women’s Studies Expanded

CSU begins offering bachelor degree program in Women’s Studies.

2018, Fall

2018, July

Women and Gender Collaborative

The Women and Gender Collaborative joins the Vice President for Diversity team. The Women and Gender Collaborative connects and promotes campus efforts that support the University’s mission to improve the campus culture and climate around gender and makes CSU the best place for women to work and learn.

2018, July

2018, July

Native American Visit Day

Admissions and the Native American Cultural Center create a Native Student Visit Day, at the request of students, to provide an opportunity to specifically focus on the needs and interests of prospective Native American students, including more interaction with Native students and staff who can share experiences, perceptions, and community. The visit days are hosted by a Native American Recruitment and Transition Specialist.

2018, July

2018, April–August

CSUPD Response Changes

CSU Police officers now communicate with the tour guide if there is a need to contact an individual who is part of a tour and if a tour guest is contacted by CSUPD the officers now make sure they are reunited with the tour.

2018, April–August

2018, April–July

Admissions Tour Changes

New policies are introduced regarding Admissions tours:

  • tour guides are now provided with a mobile phone and a list of names of the tour participants
  • tour participants receive a button to wear as a visual way to identify people registered for the tour beginning in October 2018
  • tour guide training  enhanced to make groups feel welcome in more robust ways while still allowing for differences in communication ability and culture
  • in the tour introduction, guests are asked to please “check out” if they leave the tour to help the tour guide be aware of changes in the group 
2018, April–July

2018, April

Bias Incident

A family member of a prospective student on an Admissions Tour calls police on two Native American students on the tour. News about the incident is widely shared at the university and in national news media.

2018, April

2018, March

Bias Incident

Muslim residents are harassed in University Village.

2018, March

2018, March

ASCSU Bias Discussion

ASCSU discusses bias-motivated incidents and issues on campus.

2018, March

2018, March

CSUnite

CSUnite, a march and community event, is held on campus in response to the growing number of bias incidents.

2018, March

2018, February

Bias Incident

Edwards Hall was defaced with racist, sexist, homophobic, and anti-immigrant graffiti.

2018, February

2018, February

Dr. Frank’s Message

Then President Dr. Tony Frank condemns the Traditionalist Worker Party flyers with a university-wide message including the widely shared phrase “A Nazi is a Nazi is a Nazi”.

2018, February

2018, January

SEED Launched

Students Empowering & Engaging in Dialogue (SEED) Peer-to-Peer Intergroup relations program is developed and launched.

2018, January

2018, January

Bias Incident

Graffiti is found in the Lory Student Center with racist and sexist language.

2018, January

2018, Spring

Free Speech Series

In collaboration with the President’s Office and General Counsel, VPD hosts the First Amendment Conversation Series and the “Think Tank: Free Speech Summit.” The day-long summit included a Presidential Panel and breakout sessions on various topics related to the First Amendment, free speech, and hate speech on campus.

2018, Spring

2017, September

Undocumented Task Force

A formalized DACA/Undocumented/Immigration Task Force is established.

2017, September

2017, September

Dreamers United

Dreamers United students submit list of recommendations and meet with University Leadership.

2017, September

2017, September

No Place 4 H8

No Place 4 H8 campaign is launched by Housing & Dining Services and adopted by the entire university in response to the bias incidents.

2017, September

2017, September

New Bias Reporting Form

The Bias Assessment Team, formed in 2011, shares a new online reporting form for incidents of bias. 

2017, September

2017, September

Feminist Fight Club

Colorado State becomes the first institution of higher education to collaborate with Jessica Bennett and the Feminist Fight Club to address subtle sexism in the workplace.

2017, September

2017, August–November

CSU Responds to Bias

Dr. Tony Frank addresses the bias incidents in several university-wide emails. Work begins on actions to respond to the bias incidents, including the installation of hundreds of new cameras in the public areas of resident halls.

2017, August–November

2017, August–November

Bias Incidents

A string of bias incidents occur on campus and are shared publicly with the university community.

August – A noose created out of paper is found in Newsom Hall.

September – A Wireless network in Durward Hall is named with an antisemitic slur.

September – An antisemitic slur is written on a Jewish student’s whiteboard.

November – An email from a spoof email address with racist language was sent to faculty members.

2017, August–November

2017, August

Condemning Hate

Then CSU President, Dr. Tony Frank, condemns Charlottesville riot in a university-wide message

2017, August

2017, Fall

“All Gender” restrooms

Hundreds of single-stall restrooms on campus converted to All Gender” restrooms.

2017, Fall

2017, Fall

Commission on Women & Gender Equity Anniversary

Commission on Women and Gender equity celebrates is 20th year.

2017, Fall

2017, May

Inclusive Physical and Virtual Campus

CSU Cabinet approves the Inclusive Physical and Virtual Campus policy to eliminate barriers that can prevent individuals from fully accessing and enjoying the benefit of CSU facilities, educational opportunities, and information in the same way their peers might.

2017, May

2017, March

Women Faculty Experiences

SCSCWF report on women faculty experiences is available to campus.

2017, March

2017, March

Bias Incident

The Islamic Center of Fort Collins, located adjacent to campus and attended by many CSU community members, is vandalized. 

2017, March

2017, February

Undocumented Support

An informal Undocumented/Immigration Task Force convenes.

2017, February

2016, Fall

Counselor Hired in Response to Student Demands

A counselor is hired to support students in SDPS and to address racial battle fatigue, as part of the student recommendations in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter.

2016, Fall

2016, November

Undocumented Support

A DACA and Undocumented Support Rally is held on campus in response to the “Free Speech Wall” demonstration.

2016, November

2016, October

Free Speech Wall

The first “Free Speech Wall” is placed on Lory Student Center Plaza by students supporting President Trump’s border wall.

2016, October

2016, March

ASCSU Diversity Bill

The ASCSU Diversity bill passes. Student Diversity Offices earn seats in senate.

2016, March

2016, March

Women & Gender Collaborative

The Women & Gender Collaborative launches under new structure and priorities, replacing the Ripple Effect.

2016, March

2016, Spring

President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion

2016, Spring

2015, December

Principles of Community

CSU Cabinet endorses the Principles of Community, which the campus community embraces and begins rapidly adopting. 

2015, December

2015, November

Rally Behind Mizzou

CSU students “Rally Behind Mizzou” and present the 2015 list of Student Demands to administration.

2015, November

2015, November

Multicultural Organizational Development Model

The Multicultural Organizational Development Model is adopted to track progress toward diversity and inclusion at CSU.

2015, November

2015, September

Pride Resource Center Staff

The Pride Resource staff hires its second fulltime employee, the first Assistant Director for the Pride Resource Center.

2015, September

2015, May

Gender Salary Equity

CSU addresses gender inequities among salaries in a message from President Tony Frank.

2015, May

2015, July

Women’s Studies Position

The director position at the Center for Women’s Studies and Gender Research is made a full-time position.

2015, July

2015, January

The Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence

The Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence is launched to create a learning environment for faculty to engage in topics of diversity and inclusion in pedagogy, curriculum, and campus communities.

2015, January

2014, Fall

Solidarity Rally

CSU students hold a “Ferguson Rally and Die-In in the LSC” in solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter.

2014, Fall

2014, Fall

Council on Strategic Diversity Initiatives at CSU

Council on Strategic Diversity Initiatives at CSU is formed. The committee brings together people from across campus whose job includes diversity and inclusion efforts. The committee eventually disbands and was replaced by the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.

2014, Fall

2014, Summer

Principles of Community

VPD office forms a committee of representatives across campus to start drafting what would become the Principles of Community.

2014, Summer

2014, Summer

Social Justice Leadership Institute

VPD office launches the Social Justice Leadership Institute. Participants gain key concepts for social justice education and implementation of inclusive policies and practices. Participants explore what it means to infuse diversity and inclusion best practices into the life of a university. Takes place every summer.

2014, Summer

2014, May

Standing Committee on the Status of Women Faculty

President Tony Frank establishes the Standing Committee on the Status of Women Faculty (now known as the Council for Gender Equity).

2014, May

2014, Spring

Creating Inclusive Excellence Program

The VPD office launches the Creating Inclusive Excellence Program to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills around issues of diversity and inclusion at CSU. Program is offered every semester.

2014, Spring

2013

Transgender Support

Transgender Healthcare team is created within the CSU Health Network.

2013

2013

Diversity and Inclusion Retreat for CSU

The first Diversity and Inclusion Retreat for CSU leadership is held. The retreat helped set expectations that an institutional focus on diversity and inclusion is paramount. The message to leadership: “It begins with you.”

2013

2012

Ripple Effect Launches

President Tony Frank’s Fall Address calls for CSU to become the best place for women to work and learn, and the Ripple Effect is launched within the next year.

2012

2012

CSU Nondiscrimination policy

CSU Nondiscrimination policy includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

2012

2012

Campus Climate Survey

First University-wide Campus Climate Survey for faculty and staff launched to assess employee perceptions related to campus and their immediate workplace. It revealed a need for supervisor training. Diversity and inclusion training programs put in place. The survey is conducted biennially.

2012

2011

Consultation Team for Incidents of Bias

The Consultation Team for Incidents of Bias is established to coordinate University responses to incidents of bias and ensure effective communication, systematic deployment of resources, and clear articulation of institutional values and expectations.

2011

2010, February

Bias Incident

A student campaign to “dress like Indians” at a CSU basketball game results in harassment towards Native and Indigenous CSU community members. President Tony Frank addresses the incident and the harms caused by stereotyping and appropriation in a university-wide email. The organizers change the event to an “Orange Out”.

2010, February

2010

First Vice President for Diversity

Mary Ontiveros named first Vice President for Diversity.

2010

2009

Diversity Task Force

The Diversity Task Force is established. Charged to research, debate, and advise leadership on the best structure to ensure that diversity is central to CSU’s operations and planning. The Task Force creates the Vice President for Diversity position.

2009