Georgia Tech Task Force to Review African-American Student Experience

What actionable steps can be taken to ensure all students feel safe and comfortable on campus?

A task force comprised of students, faculty, and staff is examining issues related to the African-American student experience at Georgia Tech to ensure the campus is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive. 

President G.P. “Bud” Peterson directed the formation of the task force at the start of the semester following allegations that black female students were racially harassed in the area surrounding fraternity housing on campus.

“While that incident led to the creation of the task force, the group is looking at broader issue of climate and culture on campus,” said Archie Ervin, vice president of Institute Diversity.

He is co-chairing the task force with John Stein, vice president of Student Life and Dean of Students.

“Georgia Tech remains committed to creating an inclusive, diverse campus,” Stein said. “Our goal is to create a community where all students, faculty, and staff are valued and treated with respect.”

To accomplish this goal, the task force is learning about students’ experiences and what actionable steps can be taken to ensure they feel safe and comfortable on campus. Focus groups and other opportunities for campus participation will be announced at a later date. 

The 13-member task force met once and has scheduled a second meeting in October. Task force members include:

  • Co-chair Archie W. Ervin, vice president of Institute Diversity
  • Co-chair John M. Stein, vice president of Student Life and Dean of Students
  • Felicia Benton-Johnson, program director of the Center for Engineering Education and Diversity
  • Alexis Coates, undergraduate student of Mechanical Engineering
  • Morgan Foreman, undergraduate student of Psychology
  • Tiffiny Hughes-Troutman, outreach and professional development coordinator at the Counseling Center
  • Henderson Johnson, undergraduate student of Aerospace Engineering
  • Seth Marder, regents professor of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering
  • S. Gordon Moore Jr., executive director, student diversity and inclusion at Institute Diversity
  • Nagela Nukuna, undergraduate student of Industrial Engineering
  • Nelson Raphael, undergraduate student of Electrical Engineering
  • Ashley Shannon, officer, Georgia Tech Police Department
  • Zion Thomas, undergraduate student of Computer Science

 The task force’s report is expected by the end of the semester.