COVID-19 has affected us all. However, studies show that the global pandemic disproportionally burdens people of color. As the most diverse campus in the IU system, Indiana University Northwest is taking aggressive action to help students thrive despite the many challenges the virus presents to continuing their studies.

At the end of last year, the Northwest campus received a grant from the IU Pandemic Health Disparities Fund (IU PHDF), which has been instrumental in getting students the resources they need to succeed. Established to help address health disparities among students, the fund broadened access to essential health and wellness resources and provided students with financial assistance.

IU Northwest Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs James Wallace, Jr. said some IUPHDF grant funds have gone directly to students. During the fall, more than 437 students across IU received assistance, up to about $1,200 to $1,500 to help them meet some of their financial needs. 

Melissa Jones, a senior at IU Northwest, says receiving emergency funds helped alleviate some of the financial stress she has experienced due to the pandemic. "I have gotten behind on bills while trying to find affordable daycare for my son so I can go back to work. My job was not essential, so I was unemployed for several weeks. I did not want to push school back because I am a senior, and I am so close to finishing."

But while monetary support is crucial, the pandemic also takes a toll on people mentally and emotionally, so IU Northwest used part of its funding from the PHDF to support the IU Northwest Campus Counseling center and hiring additional staff to support their mental health needs during the crisis. A portion of the funds also went to creating hotspots in underserved areas for use by students without reliable internet access. 

While the IU PHDF is dedicated to helping minority students first and foremost, Wallace is quick to mention that these funds are beneficial to everyone. "Certainly, this pandemic has greatly impacted our minority students, but we're making sure that all of our students have access to support services like these," he said. "All students are encouraged to use the counseling center and we have provided financial assistance to non-minority students who meet other criteria, such as financial need." 

Wallace's tireless work supporting students is never finished. He and his department are continuing to use grant monies from multiple sources to promote racial equity and success for the entire student body. For example, another recently received grant is being used to promote racial justice research. 

"The School of Public and Environmental Affairs was recently awarded a grant to examine funding models for not-for-profit organizations in urban communities," Wallace said. With Gary as a research site, projects such as these not only impact the community directly, but also include academic research components for students, opportunities most often reserved for graduate-level students at larger institutions. 

Anti-Racist Agenda

Last summer, in response to 2020's protests and social unrest against rampant police brutality, Indiana University codified its leadership in diversity among research institutions with the development of the IU Anti-Racist Agenda, a declaration of the university's efforts to advance a culture of belonging. According to Wallace, the manner in which IU Northwest has used the PHDF and other funds aligns with the tenets of the agenda. 

"The Anti-Racist Agenda gives each campus an opportunity to do a self-assessment," Wallace said. "How are students learning about diversity? How is it included in their learning and academic experience? And what resources are needed to support a diverse student body on campus?" 

Beyond ground-level outreach, Wallace mentions that this agenda is also meant to address systemic issues as well. The agenda strives to root out policies or practices that might unintentionally create a disparity or extra challenge for minority students. He hopes that this attitude toward eliminating racial disparities will ripple out into the greater community, thanks to the great number of our students and alumni working at local businesses, hospitals, and not-for-profits.

By taking the opportunity to self-evaluate policies and provide support to minority students, real change can happen on campus and in the community. "I'm very encouraged by the most recent advancements and investments the university has made, which will, ultimately, benefit all," Wallace said. "I'm also excited about the energy and commitment I've experienced on campus from individuals who want to be involved in these conversations."