IFO Equity caucuses were developed by faculty to support and organize faculty of color, women faculty, LGBTQ+ faculty, and faculty with disabilities. The Caucuses are intended to mobilize the collective voices of our marginalized faculty to improve the working conditions and encourage higher participation in union leadership. The equity caucuses do not require participants to be elected or be dues-paying members to attend a meeting. Caucus meetings are regularly held on each individual campus and statewide. The voices from equity caucuses were instrumental in the development of the IFO’s Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. The input heard from the caucuses has been the key driver for contract language changes, Delegate Assembly Resolutions, and the investment in staff dedicated to equity and inclusion initiatives.
It is imperative that faculty are empowered to challenge systemic oppression through innovative and intentional equity and inclusion initiatives. Marginalized faculty must be empowered to lead efforts to foster learning communities that respect the inherent worth of all students, faculty, and staff based on values of justice, inclusion, and equity. Equity Caucuses are a meaningful way for marginalized faculty to include their voice in the work of the IFO.
We strive for equity within our union to build solidarity and ensure that our collective voice is an inclusive voice. However, it is not inclusive if the voices of marginalized faculty are only heard through third parties who may not accurately and respectfully represent them, if at all. We encourage you to join us and be the active voice on decisions that affect your work conditions and environment.
If you are interested in participating in an IFO Equity Caucus please contact IFO Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Anne Fischhaber at fischhaber@ifo.org.
Please click here to learn more about the IFO’s Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.