BGU | Diversity at BGU

commitment to diversity and gender equity is supported by a team of 35 staff members, while the Susan B. Anthony Center works to bring awareness to, and advocate for, social justice and equality. This commitment was redoubled following the tragic murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, an event that marked a pivotal change for the University. In the wake of Floyd’s murder, the campus saw a wave of protests led by students and medical faculty, including doctors and nurses who treat victims of violence within the African American community. The watershed incident galvanized their resolve to advocate for equal rights and combat racial discrimination. The University of Rochester's leadership responded to the protests with a broad organizational shift, reflected in new policies on employee recruitment, staff training, educational

The BGU delegation received a briefing on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, antisemitic incidents, and anti-Black hate. The Israeli visitors also learned about the University’s efforts to combat racism beyond campus grounds, as part of its social commitment. The delegation, led by Prof. Sarab Abu-Rabia Queder, also included Dr. Yael Maayan, Barak Dvir, Student Union President, and three students representing various university communities. The visit took place before the October 7 attack, after which the University of Rochester’s leadership team sent messages of support and encouragement to the Ben-Gurion community.

content, and a renewal of campus displays, featuring, for example, pictures of inspiring Black leaders and scholars in hallways and conference rooms.

The BGU delegation received a briefing on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, antisemitic incidents, and anti-Black hate. The Israeli visitors also learned about the University’s efforts to combat racism beyond campus grounds, as part of its social commitment.

Advancing Campus Diversity at BGU Senior BGU faculty participate in "Gvanim", the diversity in academia program

The fifth cohort of "Gvanim", the diversity in academia program, for senior faculty members and leaders across the university, launched recently. “This is one of the most significant steps we’ve taken to engage senior staff in thinking, discussing, and adopting practices of diversity and inclusion,” says Adv. Vered Sarussi-Katz, Director of the Department of Community Action and one of the program’s leaders. “I welcome the continuation of this initiative and look forward to seeing an expanding circle of diversity advocates on our campuses.” Dr. Malka Shacham, the University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Officer, adds, “We see ‘Gvanim’ as an opportunity to create a dialogue that spans communities and disciplines; a dialogue that deepens understanding and partnership between students and faculty from different backgrounds, and fosters a productive space for joint action. The program has already cultivated a broad circle of diversity advocates who promote inclusion, diversity, and partnership. Its broad impact is evident both in the values we promote and the practical consequences for campus life.” The program is supported by the Council for Higher Education and its Planning and Budgeting

Committee, the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation (Israel), the San Francisco Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund, and the Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation. It is also endorsed by the Israeli President’s Office, led by Michal Herzog, the wife of the President of Israel. Also supporting the Gvanim program at Ben Gurion University are Prof. Sarab Abu-Rabia Queder, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Prof. Jiwchar Ganor, Chair of the BGU ‘Israeli Hope’ Steering Committee, and Dr. Yael Maayan, Director of the Shared Life Program.

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