There is nothing more integral to the mission of the College than the physical and emotional well-being of our entire community. As per President Barchi’s instructions earlier this month, Douglass has taken precautions to ensure proper social distancing practices among our staff, students, and alumnae. These measures not only reduce spread on campus, but help protect our loved ones and at-risk populations throughout our communities. However, even in this time of uncertainty, Douglass stands firm in its commitment to serving the educational, professional, and personal needs of students.
The magnitude of these circumstances is unprecedented. Thus, much is unknown about how these changes will affect a 21st-century world. As educators, feminists, and citizens, it is our responsibility to anticipate and serve the variety of realities women students may face in the coming weeks. From the financial ability to purchase weeks’ worth of groceries at a time to simply having a safe place to social distance, the pandemic will require each of us to examine the modes of privilege at work in our lives. Perhaps more now than ever before in my lifetime, it is essential that each of us model leadership based in empathy and respect.
Like many organizations around the world, Douglass is innovating how it functions to overcome the challenges of the pandemic. Our staff have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to our students and selflessly contribute their expertise wherever needed. Douglass students may reach out to staff mentors at any time for guidance navigating difficulties and for strategies to prioritize self-care. Through webinars hosted by the BOLD Center, a social media art exhibition through the Global Village, career action plans, and numerous other online and over-the-phone initiatives, we aim to reach as many students as possible while they are away from the College.
Unfortunately, there are limitations to remote instruction, as a reliable internet connection is a privilege that many do not have. The gap in access to the online world is often referred to as the digital divide. Without an internet connection or other technologies, remote instruction or remote working is impossible for some students and employees. As an alternative, Douglass is connecting with students through teleconferences to complete BOLD career action plans and create strategic solutions for academic continuity. We’re also committed to spreading awareness about resources made available in light of the outbreak, including the locations of free public wi-fi hotspots throughout the state. While there is more work to be done, our staff continues to innovate options that help bridge this digital divide.
Food insecurity is a growing problem among college students, and is amplified in times of emergency. Douglass programs, such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program and the Global Village, have often completed service projects in support of the Rutgers Student Food Pantry. When advising students, our staff will continue to direct those in need to its resources. Proper nutrition is integral to helping students focus on education, and is thus one of our top concerns. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Food Pantry staff who continue to work through this crisis.
Domestic abuse is an issue that affects women worldwide. Since social distancing measures limit the ability to leave home, victims of abuse may now be facing prolonged proximity to their abusers. Meeting the needs of those in these situations will require us not just to be leaders, but to be active listeners. We must do what we can to spread awareness about this issue and make existing resources more visible. We are encouraging all in our community to call the national domestic violence hotline if personal safety or the safety of loved ones becomes an issue as a result of social distancing measures.
While the problems presented to us are critical, we have seen first-hand how a proper response can alleviate the stressors of the pandemic. Work from home policies that have been implemented throughout the state implicitly reflect feminist values. By allowing an increased level of flexibility, these policies ensure that parents can care for school-aged children who are home as a result of school cancellations. Mothers do not have to choose between the safety of their children and financial security. Some institutions have even gone as far as providing special paid time off to those who must step into the role of caretaker. Continuing to make social distancing a practical possibility for the average individual is one of the best ways we can fight community spread.
We are confronting an unexpected reality. Across the globe, courageous women leaders are giving of themselves every day to meet the demands of this challenge on multiple levels. At Douglass, we stand in solidarity with every person affected by the spread of this virus and pledge to do our part not only in mitigating its threat, but in preparing global leaders who can stop these types of crises in the future.
Throughout the trajectory of this situation, we will continue to amplify the voices of women around our community and stay in touch on important updates. As we come together in times like these, we feel the true power of the Douglass Difference.
Wishing you the best,
Dean Jaquelyn Litt, Ph.D.
