New Anti-Racism Employee Resource Group Hosts Dec. 3 Panel Discussion

Panel open to all Duke staff or faculty interested in delving into the topic of anti-racism

Anti-Racism Employee Resource Group at Duke

Duke’s newly formed Anti-Racism Employee Resource Group, which is open to all employees, will host its first event at noon Dec. 3, to discuss its purpose and role in exploring ways people who identify as white can help identify and dismantle systemic racism.

The group, which launched in October, hopes to provide a home for those who are seeking a brave space to learn, discuss, and reflect on ways to raise their self-awareness and grow their ability to act as effective agents for change in fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.

The new ERG is open to all staff or faculty interested in learning more and delving into the topic of anti-racism. It plans to offer programs and educational events dedicated to raising awareness about topics such as implicit bias and facets of systemic racism.

Cathy Rimer-Surles, a Senior Retirement Analyst with Duke Human Resources, led the group's creation after attending an information session last fall on forming Employee Resource Groups. The upcoming panel marks the group’s first step in fostering dialogue and learning across the university community.

“I want to be part of a group of employees who are committed to bringing a lens of anti-racism, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of our workplace culture,” Rimer-Surles said. “I hope this ERG will bring together people who are curious, want to learn, and are willing to foster an environment where all of our colleagues feel a sense of belonging.”

The panel will include ERG members Rimer-Surles and Karen Collins, Senior Engineer for Identity & Access Management in the Office of Information Technology, as well as the two executive sponsors for the group – Candis Watts-Smith, Professor of Political Science and Vice Provost for Duke’s Office of Undergraduate Education, and Andrew Park, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Communications and Co-Chair for Duke’s Diversity Action Alliance.

Paul Grantham, Assistant Vice President for Work Culture and Communication Services, will moderate the discussion, which will include a Q&A.

Interested in joining? Register for the Zoom session on Dec. 3 from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Hear from some founding members about why they joined the Anti-Racism ERG.

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