Equity Committee
The University Libraries’ Equity Committee was formed in 2018 as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. In 2020, the committee decided together to change its name to better support its focus. Diversity and Inclusion are core to Equity, which is action based and the outcome to which we aspire.
Since its formation, the Equity Committee has become a highly influential group in the Libraries, providing education and taking action on a number of critical issues. Their charge is to advance the Libraries’ Values and support the UMKC Statement of Values, in fulfillment of Libraries’ strategic goals. To successfully demonstrate transparency, accountability, and inclusive practice, the Committee approaches its work in a collaborative, intersectional, and holistic manner.
The impact of the Equity Committee is clear in the ongoing transformation of the Libraries’ culture and practices, through both individual projects and ongoing initiatives.
Cindy Thompson
Dean of Libraries
UMKC University Libraries' Equity Committee Roster
Committee Co-Chairs
Anthony LaBat
Special Collections Operations and Processing Associate
labata@umkc.edu
Mēgan Oliver
Head of Digital Projects
megan.a.oliver@umkc.edu
Committee Members
Bryanna Beasley
Library Information Specialist
bryanna.beasley@umkc.edu
Brenda Linares
Associate Dean of Library Services
blinares@umkc.edu
Sandy Rodriguez
Associate Dean of Special Collections & Archives
rodriguezsan@umkc.edu
Lindy Smith
Head of LaBudde Special Collections
lindysmith@umkc.edu
Committee Advisor
Tracey Hughes
Teaching & Learning; Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
hughest@umkc.edu
Committee Sponsor
Cindy Thompson
Dean of Libraries
thompsoncym@umkc.edu
