Date: August 19, 2021
Words matter. That is why the VTS Seminary Covenant is so important, as it articulates the commitment to become a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
But words should be backed up by actions. For this reason, I have advocated for the Seminary to conduct what is sometimes called a “diversity audit.” This is a study that investigates whether an organization is actually living up to its verbal aspirations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Is the organization taking the necessary steps to ensure that community members from diverse backgrounds and cultures are, in fact, thriving?
Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Foundation that has been ably shepherded by Lisa Kimball, Ph.D. and the Rev. Shawn Strout, Ph.D. ’12, and coordinated by Sarah Bentley Allred ’19, VTS has hired the firm Spirit School to conduct a diversity audit and to help the Seminary take concrete steps based upon the findings. Over the next several weeks and months, they will be disseminating surveys, convening focus groups, and gathering other data in order to give the entire community a snapshot of how well we are doing with our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Spirit School was founded and is led by Eréndira Jiménez Esquinca. Eréndira and her associate, David Tremaine ’16, will conduct the VTS audit. Both have extensive experience working with Episcopal organizations, and both hold master of divinity degrees. We are in good hands on this project.
So in the coming weeks, keep your eyes and ears open for more information about how you might participate in this exciting process that can help VTS be a place where all have a sense of belonging.
The Rev. Joseph D. Thompson, Jr., Ph.D. ’18
Assistant Professor of Race and Ethnicity Studies
Director of Multicultural Ministries