Inaugural class of ‘Advancing Social Equity Research Grants’ announced 

The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion has announced its first class of  the “Advancing Social Equity Research Grant” awards. These awards promote the advancement of knowledge around social issues related to identity, culture, representation, power, oppression or inequality and are designed to incentivize quick dissemination of findings to the public. 

The inaugural recipients are: 

When Black Death Goes Viral: The Relationship Between Exposure to Racialized Police Violence via Social Media and Black Americans’ Race-Based Traumatic Stress 

Dr. Simon Howard, assistant professor of psychology in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences 

Abstract: Utilizing Robert T. Carter’s race-based traumatic stress model, our work will investigate the effects of vicarious racism (i.e. videos of police killing Black people) on the Black American’s psychological well-being. This research will advance understanding on multiform racism and its relationship to traumatic stress, while also informing interventions aimed at improving the psychological wellbeing of Black individuals. 


Describing the Status of Faculty with a Disability in Rehabilitation Counseling Education in the U.S.: Barriers and Strategies for Success 

Dr. Lee Za Ong, assistant professor of counselor education and counseling psychology in the College of Education

Abstract: This study will contribute to the advancement of equity among faculty with disabilities in rehabilitation counseling education. Utilizing two-phase data collection—variables of interest through university websites and online survey—descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and thematic analysis will be conducted to compare the differences among faculty members and to gain insight on the experience of faculty members with disabilities. 


Navigating Higher Education in Milwaukee: Black and Brown Student Perspectives 

Dr. Velez
Dr. Smith

Dr. Gabriel Velez, assistant professor of educational policy and Leadership in the College of Education, and Dr. Rob Smith, Harry G. John Professor of History in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract: Researchers will hold focus groups with Black and Brown students at Marquette, UW-Milwaukee, and MATC about how Milwaukee’s racial context influences their experiences on campus. This proposal—to train student facilitators and hold discussions within and across these institutions—centers these students and has catalytic potential for further research and connections across institutions. The goal is to address diversity and inclusion efforts on college campuses which often focus within each institution or at challenges Black and Brown students face at a single institution. 


For more information on the Advancing Social Equity Research Grant program, visit the Diversity and Inclusion webpage. The 2021-22 grant cycle will open in August with a deadline of Friday, Oct. 1, for a grant period of Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 through Friday, April 15, 2022.