After a three month long search, Loyola has hired a chief diversity officer for students to use as an additional resource in matters regarding diversity.
In November of last semester, the Black Collegiates of Loyno sent a petition to the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, with a list of demands. One of the demands was to hire a chief diversity officer that was available for students of color to confide in and use as an additional resource.
The Affirmative Action and Diversity Committee began a search in December and hired Liv Newman, sociology instructor, as the interim chief diversity officer, a decision announced in a campus-wide email from Wildes.
Since she was young, Newman has been exposed to different forms of diversity. With a white American mother, a black American father, a Puerto Rican step-father, and many other friends and family from across the spectrum, Newman plans to use her experiences with diversity to help shape her new position.
“The story of my life from the very beginning has been about experiencing diverse environments. I believe that being with those not like ourselves provides us with the ability to connect to people in a deep and sincere way and life enriching experiences,” Newman said.
Newman holds a doctorate degree in sociology and has worked at Loyola for 14 years, teaching various sociology courses that involve race, gender, and other elements of diversity.
“My professional work as an educator and sociologist has allowed me to understand better the mechanisms by which oppression manifests and reproduces itself in our society at the individual, institutional, and societal levels,” Newman said.
A’Niya Robinson, political science senior and SGA Representative for the Affirmative Action and Diversity Committee, supports Newman as interim CDO due to her experiences with the university and diversity.
“Her entire academic research is centered around diversity, so she understands the issues the students of color are facing. She also has a large network of resources that are pursuing the same goals as we are, with regards to inclusion and community,” Robinson said, “Plus, she has been at the university for quite some time, so there’s a familiarity there.”
Some of the many tasks that Newman will have the opportunity to complete include observing the Loyola community, gathering data, and working with the other New Orleans universities.
“I want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the experiences that diverse populations have at Loyola, what they need to feel fully included in the life of the university, and strategize ways to meet those needs,” Newman said.
Sawyer Joseph, psychology pre-med junior and co-president of the Black Student Union, believes that Newman taking the interim CDO position is a positive addition to Loyola’s community.
“I think that having a CDO is a great advancement for organizations on Loyola’s campus, especially for organizations that deal with diversity because we now have someone who we can turn to who is knowledgeable in matters that are important to us,” Joseph said.
Newman’s official start date is yet to be determined, however she is most excited to work closely with the students and faculty from all around campus.
“Loyola students are brilliant, energetic, and committed to social justice: all qualities that invigorate me personally and my professional life. I welcome the opportunity to work with the people who make Loyola a special place. What could be a better job than supporting those who are the life of this university?” Newman said.
