Rhode Island College. Presidential Committees and Task Forces. Committee on Human Relations records (CA-0006)

Biographical/Historical Note

After a series of race-based incidents occurred on campus during the first half of 1987 and after an ad hoc committee convened to review the implications of these incidents, Rhode Island College President Carol J. Guardo appointed a new presidential committee, the Committee on Human Relations. This committee superseded the Committee on Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity. John S. Foley, Vice President for College Advancement and Support, served as the first chair of the Committee. The Committee on Human Relations had three subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Racial Understanding, the Subcommittee on Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, and the Subcommittee on Gender Relations. The charge of the committee was to “advise the president on matters related to the creation, enhancement and maintenance of positive, collegial human relations among members of the College community.” The Committee could “recommend policies, procedures, and activities which would establish, facilitate, and maintain an environment conducive to good relations and prohibitive of discrimination toward, or mistreatment of, any member of the College community.” They helped write and update the Illegal Harassment Policy and the Complaint Resolution Policy. The Committee on Human Relations ceased around 2018 and some of its functions were replaced by the already established Dialogue on Diversity and Inclusion Committee.