But, this report is more than a call for action. It is a timely opportunity for the College to take steps toward assuming a position of leadership in the area of gender equity. In fairness to the College, it has already made great strides in this area and I think compares well to its sister institutions across the country. However, we can do better. Fort Lewis can become a model, a college known not only for its commitment to diversity but for its commitment to a diversity that works.
Gender equity is an essential component of effective diversity.
By gender equity I mean a condition or character of an organization in which gender is acknowledged as an important social category, in which the expectations and rewards for men and women of similar positions are comparable, in which men and women treat each other with respect, and in which gender does not influence the individual member s sense of empowerment or ownership in the organization. In an educational organization characterized by true equity, gender issues are part of the intellectual discourse and both men and women feel comfortable speaking freely about these issues without fear of being labeled or dismissed as sexist, man-hater, chauvinist, or male basher. Thus, achieving and maintaining gender equity is the responsibility of everyone in the organization. A work group will be named by the President s Cabinet before the end of the current calendar year. This group will include the Director of Public Safety and the head of the Commission.